Water bottles, stainless steel or aluminum? And Why??
Question:
So with all the dangers of plastic water bottles I'm looking to get either a stainless steel one or aluminum, don't know which is better though, anyone know anything on this matter, I'd appreciate any information!
Answers:
neither..it isn't what it is made out of...BUT how it is made in this case...check with a reliable outfitters store...
This is actually a very good question. The plastic industry has stated this:
"Most convenience-size beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
.The toxicological properties of PET and any compounds that might migrate under test conditions have also been well studied. The results of these tests demonstrate that PET is safe for its intended uses."
http://www.plasticsinfo.org/s_plasticsin...
Which I would concur with. However, the optimal word is for its intended use. Most of these bottles are for one time use, and I believe that over time things would leach into the bottle. The question is how long or how many times? The next thing t understand that water is not a good solvent for organics (ie plastics). So its not likely to attack the plastic if it tap water. However, solvents like alcohols, ketones, strong acids, or essentially anything organic could dissolve the bottle. Or if the interior is damaged by rocks/sand then plastic particles could get into your water. I have done some leaching work (albeit not on water bottles and with more aggressive solvents) so I imagine that reusing a well kept water bottle for a year or more would be ok. But if you do taste any plastic. Toss it. Here is another link with some good guidelines for safe plastic water bottles:
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/101/pla...
Now to the meat of your question... Which is better aluminum or stainless steal? As far as leaching goes I think they would be about the same. However, metals are more likely then plastic to leach with acidic solutions. So do not store anything more acidic then soda in those bottles. Aluminum is lighter and would cool quicker but stainless steel sturdier. I guess you would have to make the decision on how likely the bottle was to get beat up.
I hope this helps.
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