'The Washington Post' Discusses Water Bottles with R. Thomas Zoeller

Content

The Washington Post recently interviewed R. Thomas Zoeller, a distinguished professor emeritus from the College of Natural Sciences's Department of Biology, to discuss his research on the health implications of plastics and to get his take on water bottles.

Reusable water bottles are experiencing a surge in popularity, and it's not just because of Stanley stainless steel tumblers. Opting for a reusable bottle not only promotes personal health but also contributes to sustainability efforts and proves to be more economical in the long term, compared to continuously purchasing disposable water bottles. Unlike their single-use counterparts, which often contain microplastics and end up cluttering landfills or polluting water bodies, reusable bottles offer a cleaner and greener alternative. Plastic bottles pose particular concerns due to their propensity to leach chemicals into the water they contain. 

Of particular concern is bisphenol A (BPA), a compound that can disrupt hormones by mimicking estrogen in the human body. While the Food and Drug Administration asserts the safety of current BPA levels in food containers and packaging, European regulators are reevaluating their stance, considering a significant reduction in the permissible level. This heightened scrutiny reflects a growing global awareness of the potential risks associated with plastic consumption.

“I would not recommend plastic, period,” Zoeller told the Post. He recommends using "glass or unlined aluminum or steel bottles, which he said are unlikely to leach chemicals into water. Some metal bottles, however, have epoxy linings, which may contain BPA or its alternatives."

Click here to read the full article.