BPA

• BPA (bisphenol A) is a harmful chemical that can be found in some plastic drinking bottles. These types of bottles are popular with climbers, because they are sturdy and reusable.
  
  

Chemical Release

• The BPA in reusable plastic climbing bottles (and some baby bottles) is released when the bottle comes into contact with liquid, especially boiling water.
  
  

Harmful Effects

• According to Science Daily, BPA "has been shown to affect reproduction and brain development in animal studies."
  
  

Single-Serve Water Bottles

• Single-serve water bottles, sold in packs at grocery stores around the world, are not made from the same type of plastic as the reusable kind. These water bottles are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
  
  

Wash for Safety

• Single-use water bottles are safe if you wash them between uses. The idea that they transmit bacteria comes from reusing them without washing; there is no danger of reusing them as long as you wash them between uses.