New study warns: "BPA-free" is not enough – many bottles release hundreds of chemicals when rinsed
Most of us take reusable water bottles for granted. Especially for sports, for the office, or for children, they are practical and seemingly environmentally friendly. Many are even "BPA-free." But current research shows: That's not nearly enough – especially if the bottle is regularly cleaned in the dishwasher.
Study shows: Dishwasher makes it worse
A recent study by the McGill University (Canada) and the Tegengif Foundation (Netherlands) analyzed 156 reusable plastic bottles from Europe – most of them designed for children.
👉 The shocking result:
After just 20 dishwasher cycles, the bottles released significantly more hormonally active and potentially harmful substances into the beverage – including:
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Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) – a substance classified as harmful to reproduction and with endocrine-disrupting properties,
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as well as tributyl citrate, dibutylamine, N-lauryldiethanolamine and other, sometimes barely researched chemicals.
The substances come into contact with your drink more easily through heat, friction, and detergents – even with cold water in the bottle.
Other studies also issue urgent warnings
A similar study by the University of Copenhagen found over 400 chemicals in common sports bottles – after just one day of standing with water.
After cleaning in the dishwasher, even over 3500 substances were detected – many of them:
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hormone-active,
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potentially carcinogenic,
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or simply completely unexplored.
And that's despite the "BPA-free" label.
➡️ The researchers explicitly warn: BPA is just a tiny piece of the puzzle. The much more dangerous substances are often the substitutes – or those that arise from aging or heat.
Microplastics in the brain: A growing risk
Particularly alarming: A new study from the University of New Mexico shows that microplastic particles have now even been detected in the human brain. Samples from 52 deceased individuals contained particles in amounts equivalent to the weight of a small plastic spoon – often made of polyethylene, the material of many drinking bottles.
➤ According to analysis, water from plastic bottles contains over 20 times more microplastics than tap water.
The problem: These particles are microscopically small, can penetrate cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier – and thus have long-term neurological consequences.
Particularly critical: Children and the exposome
Children are particularly susceptible to hormonal disorders - their bodies are growing, and their defense systems are not yet fully developed.
The researchers write:
Only a fraction of the hundreds of proven chemicals could even be identified.
This underlines the enormous complexity and danger of these mixtures of substances – especially in sensitive childhood.
This so-called "exposome", i.e. the entirety of all environmental chemicals with which we come into contact every day, thus becomes the decisive factor for our long-term health – especially when using Food Contact Materials (FCMs) such as drinking bottles.
Our recommendation: No plastic in the dishwasher – and preferably not to the mouth at all
What dissolves from plastic bottles cannot be detected by smell or rinsing. Many chemicals are invisible - but have a profound effect on the body.
Therefore, we clearly advise:
🚫 No plastic bottles in the dishwasher.
🚫 BPA-free is not enough.
✅ Avoid plastic when it comes to your health.
The solution: titanium instead of plastic – with KEEGO
With KEEGO, your drink never comes into contact with harmful substances. Instead, you'll find:
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pure titanium inside the bottle
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and a pure mouthpiece made of food-grade silicone
Your advantages:
✅ Free from harmful substances
✅ Taste-neutral – no plastic aftertaste
✅ Squeezable like a classic sports bottle – perfect for every ride, every run, every workout
How does the mouthpiece work?
Here, too, we make no compromises.
Our mouthpiece is made of high-quality, food-grade silicone, which:
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does not release any plasticizers or harmful substances
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remains stable & safe even in heat and repeated use
Safe. Innovative. And above all: Chemical-free.
💧 KEEGO – the smart alternative to plastic bottles.
For anyone who cares about their body and their health.
