BPA and Potable Water Products: Current status and a BPA-free alternative

As a manufacturer of plastic products, you want the best and safest plastic material for your finished goods. At Permian Plastics, we have the same objectives. We are therefore committed to staying on top of trends and news that affect our customers. One news story that is gathering momentum is Bisphenol A (BPA) and concerns relating to its possible health risks. This article focuses on BPA and potable (drinking) water applications for drinking water BPA free.

What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical that is mainly used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture plastics and resins. For example, BPA is a constituent of polycarbonate, which is used to make potable water applications such as beverage bottles, infant feeding bottles, plumbing products, components for water treatment facilities, and plastic parts in filtered water and coffee machines.

Is BPA a health risk?

Studies conducted to date support the safety of current low levels of human exposure to BPA. However, the FDA does have some concerns about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. In cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research is therefore carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. At Permian Plastics we believe that it’s critical to identify environmentally sustainable alternatives in advance of future regulatory changes related to materials of concern such as BPA.

What are the alternatives to BPA?

One engineered plastic alternative for potable water is Tritan™ copolyester from Eastman Chemical. Permian Plastics has been working with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester since 2010. In 2013, we began molding medical devices using Tritan™. In fact, Dale Emge, President, Permian Plastics, was selected by Eastman to participate in a panel of experts at the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&W) trade show in Anaheim, California, which took place in February this year. Dale is highly positive about Tritan Copolyester: “I consider Eastman Chemical Company’s Tritan™ copolyester material to be the best replacement for polycarbonate.”

What’s your next step?

Our potable water application experts at Permian Plastics will be happy to discuss with you the possibility of replacing polycarbonate with BPA-free plastics in your potable water applications.