Polycarbonate Bottles Query

Shannon writes:

I regularly read Ian's blog. I was wondering if he might have an opinion on the following article. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070804101711.htm. Regards Shannon

The article Shannon refers to is all about plastic bottles. You've probably wondered about what effect plastic bottles have on us, and indeed, the standard water bottle is a very bad choice for multiple use. In hot days on the back of a truck they leach carcinigens into the water.

Polycarbonate also got a bad rap when a science lab reported breakdown of polycarbonate bottles when cleaned with strong detergent in their lab.

When we looked at the article it worried us too, especially give the fact that we'd just released our new polycarb sports bottle for carrying alkaline water. But on investigation of the report, we could see the mistake they'd made. They used strong chemical cleaner to wash the bottles every time they used them.

So the rules are simple;
1. DON'T put polycarb bottles in the dishwasher or even in with the rest of the washup.
2. If you must cleanse them, use the correct polycarb detergent. It's available from Tasman Chemicals and it's called Blue Chip.

Both Cassie and I carry our bottles everywhere including to work. Mine sits less than six inches away from my typing fingers right now.