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Lululemon pulling plastic water bottles from shelves |
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Written by Ethan Baron, Canada.com
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Thursday, 20 December 2007 |
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 Another major B.C.-based company has decided to stop selling polycarbonate water bottles. (See also "Mountain Equipment Co-op drops products with bisphenol A.")
Yoga-wear giant Lululemon announced it will not bring in any more of the hard plastic bottles that contain the controversial chemical bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A mimics estrogen and other hormones, and has been linked to reproductive damage in lab rodents.
A U.S. National Institute of Health report found the compound could cause neural and behavioural damage to human fetuses in the womb, and to children.
A new University of Missouri study revealed that of 115 studies of bisphenol A, 94 found potential harmful effects.
Eleven studies funded by chemical companies, meanwhile, identified no risk.
Health Canada is studying the health risks of the compound, but Lululemon isn't waiting for the results before acting.
"While the research to date is non-conclusive and Health Canada has yet
to issue their report, we have . . . decided that starting in January
all new water bottles arriving in our stores will be made of acrylic,"
the company said in a statement.
Vancouver-based outdoor-goods chain Mountain Equipment Co-op stripped plastic Nalgene water bottles from its shelves earlier this month over concerns about bisphenol A.
The chemical is also found in clear plastic baby bottles, many children's training or "sippy" cups, most water-cooler bottles and the lining of many food cans.
Bisphenol A is one of a number of compounds that can leach into foods and beverages from containers.
Phthalates, contained in poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) materials such as cling wrap and some peanut-butter jars, also mimic human hormones.
- Use stainless-steel or glass bottles for drinking.
- Use glass, polyethylene or polypropylene baby bottles for infants.
- Use stainless-steel, polyethylene or polypropylene training cups for youngsters.
- Don't reuse plastic bottles from commercially sold water.
- Avoid plastic dishes and utensils.
Source: lifewithoutplastic.com
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