Sure, you've spotted a can in the fridge and you're wondering, "Is it safe to drink from this?" It's a common question, especially given the varied materials used in beverage packaging these days. Let's delve into the safety of drinking from cans.
In recent times, cans have largely replaced glass and plastic bottles for soda and other beverages due to their durability, portability, and environmental friendliness. But the big question remains: are they safe for our health?
Understanding Can Materials
Cans are typically made from aluminum or tin-plated steel. Both are safe to use, but they can be subject to certain regulations and concerns.
Aluminum, while light and durable, was once linked to Alzheimer's disease due to its perceived ability to accumulate in the body. However, comprehensive research has debunked this myth: your body expels aluminum effectively, and the amounts leached from cans are negligible.
AnionicPurchase Threshold
Tin-plated steel cans, on the other hand, use a bit of tin-plating to protect the main steel layer from corrosion. The concern here is whether the tin might leach into the beverage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in fact, sets an "anionic purchase threshold" for tin, meaning that if it leaches over this limit, the can is considered unsafe. But again, surface coatings, like those used in most cans, prevent this from happening.
The EPA regulates drinking water standards, and the current lifetime health advisory level for tin is significantly higher than the amount you'd consume from drinking canned beverages. So, no need for worry there either.
BPA and Beyond:Checking the Coatings
Cans have internal epoxy or acrylic-based coatings to protect the beverage from metal contamination and prevent corrosion. Until recently, some of these coatings included Bisphenol A (BPA), a controversial chemical linked to various health problems.
In response to these concerns, many manufacturers have switched to BPA-free coatings, especially for food cans. Beverage cans haven't been a major source of BPA intake because their coating levels are lower, and we drink them less frequently than foods like canned soup. That said, some major brands have also begun to remove BPA from their beverage can linings as part of their quality and safety assurance.
Modern Alternatives
Newer coatings, like polyester, pose no known health risks. Many manufacturers now use these modern alternatives for their beverage cans.
Moreover, some cans come with non-BPA, easy-to-recognize linings that are safe and unlikely to leach unwanted chemicals into your drink.
So, is it safe to drink from a can? As you can see, the answer is mostly yes, provided you're not guzzling cans of soda all day, every day. Scientific evidence and regulatory standards work together to ensure the safety of the materials used in can production. Nevertheless, always inspect your cans for signs of damage or unusual corrosion before taking a sip.