Do people know most paper receipts are harmful to their health?

I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a minute, but do people realize how pretty much everyone is being overloaded with endocrine disruptors like BPA/BPS on a near-daily basis??

I don't think many people understand that ever since most of the world transitioned to thermal paper receipts (cheaper than ink), almost every receipt you handle from the gas station to the grocery store to the Square terminal printer at the local co-op is coated with Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).

These chemicals have not only been proven to cause reproductive harm to human and animals, they've also been linked to obesity and attention disorders.

Not sure if your receipt is a thermal receipt? If you scratch it with a coin and it turns dark, it's thermal.

BPA/BPS can enter the skin to a depth such that it is no longer removable by washing hands. When taking hold of a receipt consisting of thermal printing paper for five seconds, roughly 1 μg BPA is transferred to the forefinger and the middle finger. If the skin is dry or greasy, it is about ten times more. 

Think of how many receipts you handle every day. It's even worse for cashiers and tellers, who may handle hundreds in a single shift. It is also a class issue, since many people who work retail and food service are lower-income and will suffer worse health consequences over time from the near-constant exposure.

Not only that, receipts printed with thermal ink are NOT recyclable, as they pollute the rest of the paper products with the chemicals.

People don't know this and recycle them anyway, so when you buy that "green" toilet paper that says "100% recycled"? Yup, you are probably wiping your most sensitive areas with those same chemicals (for this reason, I buy bamboo or sugarcane toilet paper as a sustainable alternative to recycled paper).

This page from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has some good links if you want to learn more.

As consumers, we need to demand better from our businesses and from our governments. We need regulation of these chemicals yesterday.

If you are a buyer or decision-maker for a business, the link above also contains a shortlist of receipt paper manufacturers that are phenol-free.

If you work at a register, ask customers if they want a receipt. If they don't and you can end the transaction without printing one, don't print one!

As a consumer, fold receipts with the ink on the inside, since that's where the coating is. Some more good tips here.

And whatever you do, DO NOT RECYCLE THERMAL RECEIPTS

Understanding BPA-Free: What It Means and Why It Matters

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in the production of plastic products, such as water bottles, food containers, and even baby bottles. However, studies have shown that exposure to BPA can have harmful effects on human health, including disrupting hormone levels and increasing the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and obesity.

As a result, many manufacturers have started to produce BPA-free products. In this article, we will explore what BPA-free means, why it matters, and how to identify BPA-free products.

What is BPA?

BPA is a synthetic chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. These materials are commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including food and drink containers, eyeglass lenses, and medical equipment. BPA is also used to coat the inside of metal cans to prevent corrosion and contamination.

Why is BPA Harmful?

BPA has been shown to disrupt hormone levels in the body, particularly estrogen. This can have a range of negative health effects, including an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, infertility, and obesity. BPA has also been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders in children.

What Does BPA-Free Mean?

BPA-free refers to products that do not contain bisphenol A. Instead, these products are made from alternative materials that do not leach harmful chemicals into food or drink. BPA-free products are often made from materials such as glass, stainless steel, or plastics that are free of BPA and other harmful chemicals.

How to Identify BPA-Free Products?

Many manufacturers label their products as BPA-free, making it easy for consumers to identify them. Look for labels or packaging that explicitly states that the product is BPA-free. It is worth noting, however, that not all products that are marketed as BPA-free are necessarily safe.

Are BPA-Free Products Safe?

While BPA-free products are generally considered safer than those containing BPA, there is still some debate over their safety. Some studies have suggested that the alternative materials used in BPA-free products may also have negative health effects, particularly if they are heated or used with acidic foods or drinks.

For example, some types of BPA-free plastics have been shown to leach harmful chemicals into food or drink when exposed to high temperatures or acidic foods. Similarly, some types of stainless steel may contain trace amounts of nickel or other metals that can be harmful to people with certain allergies or sensitivities.

Tips for Reducing BPA Exposure in Your Daily Life

In addition to choosing BPA-free products, there are several other steps you can take to reduce your exposure to BPA and other harmful chemicals:

Use glass or stainless steel containers for food and drink storage. These materials are less likely to leach harmful chemicals into your food and drink.

Avoid microwaving plastic containers. Heat can cause plastic to break down and release harmful chemicals into your food.

Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned foods. Many canned foods are lined with BPA-containing materials, which can leach into the food.

Wash your hands frequently. BPA and other chemicals can be found in dust and on surfaces, so washing your hands regularly can help reduce your exposure.

Choose personal care products that are free of BPA and other harmful chemicals. Look for products that are labeled as BPA-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free.

Conclusion

BPA is a chemical commonly used in the production of plastic products, but exposure to this chemical can have harmful effects on human health. BPA-free products offer a safer alternative, but it is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers and to be aware of the potential risks associated with alternative materials.

By understanding what BPA-free means and how to identify these products, consumers can make informed decisions about the products they buy and use.

If you’re looking for BPA-free eco-friendly water filter jugs in Australia, look no further than Ecobud. We offer a range of high-quality, affordable, and practical products designed to help you positively impact your health and the environment. Call us today at 1300 886 373 to place an order or to learn more about our products and services!

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Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic which is used for containers to store food and beverages, such as water bottles.

It can be toxic to plants at higher concentrations.

BPA is not normally a problem in food grade plastics but it, as well as lead, has been found in the new fabric pots.

Although BPA is not found in food grade plastic, it has been highly studied and it provides insight into how other plastic chemicals might behave. Due to health concerns, BPA is sometimes replaced with two similar chemicals BPS and BPAF. Testing of all three of these shows that BPA and BPS have a half-life of less than a day. They don’t last long in soil. BPAF has a half-life of about 30 days, which is still short compared to many other chemicals, but not nearly as good as for BPA.

This same study compared two soil types and found that the half-life in soil with a higher organic matter level was 60% higher, showing that it absorbed onto the organic matter which protected it from degradation. Presumable the organic matter also keeps BPA away from roots.

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#Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 200 Count Milk Storage Bags

BUY AND SEE MORE :https://amzn.to/3HRn0Mf

Size 6 Ounce Brand Lansinoh Color Purple Closure Type Zipper Item Dimensions LxWxH 4.57 x 11.02 x 4.02 inches Number of Sets 2 About this item VALUE SIZE – Our 200-count breastmilk storage bags are the perfect pack size to support a new mama’s first few months of pumping and storing! SUPER STRONG- Store, protect, and freeze precious breastmilk with these breast milk storing bags PRESTERILIZED- Our milk storage bags are presterilized, BPA/BPS free, and have a double zipper seal to prevent leaks REINFORCED SEAM- Double sealed side seams for super strong breast milk collecting bags PUMP DIRECTLY- Breast milk storage bags can be pumped directly into with Lansinoh pumps or used with our pump-into-bag adapter on most major pump brands MOST RECOMMENDED - Lansinoh is a leading seller of breastfeeding supplies in the US, as well as the top-selling breast milk bags

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🚨 Toxic Alert: Your Daily Receipts Could Be Undermining Your Health 🚨 Did you know that the seemingly harmless act of accepting a paper receipt could expose you to harmful chemicals? A staggering 80% of receipts from major US retailers are laced with bisphenol S (BPS)—a sneaky cousin of BPA, notorious for its hormone-disrupting and potential breast cancer-linked properties. 🧾💀 These tiny slips of paper don't just carry your purchase details; they're packed with 250-1,000 times more BPA than what's found in canned foods. And while BPA usage might be on the decline, its alternative, BPS, isn't any safer, harboring risks of hormonal imbalance and obesity. Protect your health and the planet: 📲 Opt for digital receipts whenever possible. 🛍️ Say a firm "no" to paper receipts. 🔍 Educate yourself about the dangers lurking in everyday items. It's time to rethink our daily interactions and make conscious choices for our health. Don't let microplastics and BPAs sneak into your life through the smallest of exchanges. Choose wisely, choose health. #BPAFree #ToxicReceipts #HormoneHealth #DigitalReceipts #EcoConscious #GutHealthDisasters #CleanLiving #SustainableChoices #HealthHacks #EcoFriendlyLiving #PlasticFreeLife #WellnessWarrior #ChemicalFree #DetoxYourLife #MindfulLiving #ProtectYourHealth Click below for a free discovery call: https://lnkd.in/g2TwHRwC

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Bisphénols : BPA, BPF, BPS (4/4) 👉 comment réduire les expositions

✔️Alors, comment réduire 📉l’exposition de ses enfants aux bisphénols ? Voici quelques recommandations de bonnes pratiques, issues des fiches de synthèse élaborées dans le cadre du projet HBM4EU.

⫸ Éviter d’utiliser des récipients en plastique polycarbonate pour les boissons ou les aliments chauds, ou pour réchauffer🍛 un plat au micro-onde. C’est parce que la migration de bisphénols peut augmenter avec la chaleur.

⫸ Ne pas utiliser de récipients alimentaires en plastique s’ils sont abîmés. Par exemple, des rayures peuvent aussi augmenter la migration de bisphénols 🔬.

⫸ Limiter 🎚️la consommation d’aliments en conserve 🥫.

#hbm4eu #bisphenol #santeenvironnementale #1000jours #1000premiersjours

Seeing as how my post is getting low engagement, I'm curious:

Bonus: reblog with your answer and if you like, your home country.

Shark Tank Spark: Lollacup’s Evolution into Lollaland

In the unbelievable world of parenting, where every day is an adventure, and spills are on the same level for the course, there comes a tiny but mighty hero— Imagine a cup that doesn’t spill, a special cup made for kids that can handle the challenges of toddler life. That’s the magic of Lollacup – it’s not just a regular cup; It’s something amazing! A bright success story that became famous on the TV show Shark Tank. Get ready for a trip into the fantastic tale of Lollacup, where spills give up, creativity rules, and sipping during childhood feels like pure magic.

How did Lollacup start?

“Lollacup”, a product from Lollaland, started when Hanna and Mark Lim noticed something amazing – their 9-month-old daughter sipping effortlessly from a straw. Excited by this, they decided to switch to a straw cup, as recommended by their doctor. But when they bought some toddler straw cups, they realized that it was difficult for their daughter to sip from them.

Talking to other parents, they found out that many kids struggled with straw cups that had spill-proof valves. This inspired Hanna and Mark to create a solution. They wanted a cup that was easy to use, safe, made in the USA, and looked good.

Later, they took their idea to Shark Tank, a TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their products to investors. With the support of Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec, Lollacup grew into Lollaland. Today, it is known for creating cool and safe products for babies and toddlers, making life easier for parents.

Lollacup’s Early Days: A Clever Straw Cup for Kids:

Before it got super popular on Shark Tank, it all began with a clever idea from parents Mark and Hanna Lim. They wanted to find a sippy cup that was easier for their two daughters to use compared to the usual ones. The regular cups were a bit challenging for their kids when they were learning to use straws and regular cups.

So, the Lims came up with a simple but super smart fix – Lollacup, named after their daughters. Unlike regular cups that said they wouldn’t spill, it had a cool trick – it had a special straw that stayed put because it was a bit heavy, making it easy for kids to pour a drink without any straw troubles.

The straw in it was cool, especially for yummy smoothies. It had handles on both sides, just right for even the littlest hands. And when you weren’t using it, it was small enough to fit in a diaper bag or the cup holder in the car.

But you know what made it even more awesome? It was super easy to clean. You could pop it in the dishwasher or clean it up without any trouble.

The thought of this cup popped up when the Lims’ doctor said it’s good to start using straws early for their daughter. They tested three different cups for toddlers, but their daughter struggled with all of them. After chatting with other parents, Hanna noticed that many kids had a tough time sipping from cups with spill-proof straws, so they just skipped using straws altogether.

Lollacup came to the rescue to fix this issue. It wasn’t just any straw cup; It was made to be perfect for kids, easy to clean, and safe. You could pick from different colors and the best part? It doesn’t have any bad stuff like BPA, BPS, PVC, and Phthalates that you sometimes find in plastic.

Yep, before Lollaland became a big hit on Shark Tank, it was just a clever idea from parents who wanted to make drinking from straws easy for all kids.

The Lollacup Pitch on Shark Tank: A Sip of Success

The Lims, who loved watching Shark Tank, turned their product idea into a successful business before Season 3. With gaining popularity, they thought it was the perfect chance to grow even more. They wanted money and national attention, so they decided to dive into the Shark Tank.

So, on the show, the Lims wanted $100,000 in exchange for 15% of the brand. They shared that they made a cool $30,000 in sales within only four months of kicking off their business. The Lollacup, which cost $9 to make and sold for $18, had production expenses of $4.50.

The Lims stayed clear and impressed the Sharks. Kevin O’Leary offered $100,000, but he wanted 50% ownership, and there was a catch. He suggested moving the making of Lollacup overseas to keep the cost under $2 per cup.

But the Lims were firm about making the product in the USA. They wanted the best quality and safety. The making happened in a California facility licensed for medical devices, showing their dedication to a reliable product.

The Sharks saw the potential in it, a helpful solution for parents with sippy cup struggles. Mark Cuban, quick with decisions, set a “24-second shot clock,” pushing the Lims to seal the deal.

In the end, Robert Herjavec and Mark Cuban invested $100,000 for a 40% share in Lollaland, a big win for the company.

Final Deal: Robert Herjavec and Mark Cuban invested $100,000 for a 40% equity stake in the brand. 

This Shark Tank adventure boosted it to new heights, giving it the money it needed and the approval of two experienced Sharks who saw the worth in their clever product.

Lollacup’s Journey After Shark Tank

After Shark Tank, Lollacup’s story is all about growing and changing. They wanted to give parents more choices for feeding their kids, with lots of cool and smart products. 

Is This Brand Still In Business?

As of 2023, Lollacup is still going strong, making about $2 million every year. They’ve grown a lot, especially after being on Shark Tank and getting support from Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec. The success was so big that they decided to change their name to “Lollaland.” With this new name, they’re still focused on making cool and fancy stuff for babies and toddlers that are both useful and pretty. The fact that it turned into Lollaland shows how they’re not just surviving but thriving and coming up with new and exciting things for little kids.

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Is ZeroWater Legit? We Tested 3 of Their Water Filters

ZeroWater is one of the better-known water filter pitcher manufacturers, using 5-stage gravity filtration that promises to bring your water's TDS (or total dissolved solids) down to 0. Lots of people claim that ZeroWater filters are the best out there, and we were keen to see whether they're worth the hype. We've tested three ZeroWater pitchers and dispensers in our own home. In this review, we've commented on how they improved our water quality, their ease of use, their overall value for money, and more. We've also discussed why we have a problem with ZeroWater's marketing promises. 🎥 Video Review https://youtu.be/Kw5no7NIr-s?si=Xf9Fx5sPUC_ahPrx 🧾 Overview of ZeroWater Filters ZeroWater (or Zero Water) is an affordable water filter brand that sells faucet water filters, water filter pitchers, and water filter dispensers. We'll be discussing the ZeroWater filter pitchers and dispensers in this guide. The products we have personal experience with are: - The 12-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher - The Ready-Read Dispenser - The 40-Cup Glass Ready-Pour Dispenser ZeroWater's pitchers and dispensers all use the same 5-stage water filter cartridge, which is a gravity filter. The idea is that you fill the top compartment of the pitcher or dispenser, then wait for the water to filter through into the bottom compartment. Then, depending on whether you're using a pitcher or a dispenser, you can pour water from the spout or open the spigot. ZeroWater's main selling point is that its filter reduces almost all TDS from water. All ZeroWater products come with a TDS meter so you can check that the filter is working properly. The filter has been tested to remove 43 common contaminants, and has been NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53 for its filtration performance. Zero Technologies (the warrantor) offers a 90-day warranty for ZeroWater dispensers and pitchers. If you detect a manufacturing defect within this timeframe, you can make a warranty claim to receive a free replacement part. We couldn't find any mention of a warranty for the 5-stage filter. In our testing, the ZeroWater filter pitchers and dispensers did a great job of improving our water quality, and we really appreciated the NSF certifications to assure us of their contaminant removal abilities. We were less impressed with the 40-50-gallon filter capacity, which is one of the worst we've seen for a filter of this kind. We also found that, because of the 5-stage gravity filtration, it took a long time to send water through the filter. 👍 What We Like - Super easy press filtration (no difficult-to-use filter straw or pump) - Eliminates the need for plastic water bottles - Targets bacteria and viruses - Attractive bottle design - Provides quick filtration - no waiting for gravity - Carbon filter component improves taste of water & removes additional dangerous contaminants 👎 What We Don’t Like - 40-50-gallon filter lifespan is low compared to similar filters - We had to replace our filters at least every 1-3 months, incurring a greater maintenance cost - Slow filtration speed - Demineralizes water 💡 First Impressions Our first impression of the Zero Water filters was positive. They're on the affordable end of the water filter pitchers and dispensers we've reviewed, with a starting price of just $25 for the 7-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher. The 40-Cup Ready-Pour Glass Dispenser is ZeroWater's most expensive offering, at $75. The packages we received contained the following items: - The pitcher/dispenser body - The upper reservoir - The first filter - The lid - The TDS meter The majority of the Zero Water filter pitchers and dispensers are made of BPA-free polypropylene and ABS (a terpolymer). Polypropylene is a super popular material used for water filters because it's durable, flexible, and highly resistant to moisture absorption, as well as being free from BPA and BPS. ABS is a food-grade plastic, which is non-leaching and mold-resistant. We did find that the plastic feels a bit thinner and flimsier than pitcher/dispenser units made of Tritan plastic. We found that the 12-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher and the Ready-Read dispenser were lightweight and easy to carry - especially the pitcher, which we could carry with one hand even when it was full. The exception is the Zero Water 40-Cup Glass Ready-Pour Dispenser, which is made of glass. This dispenser is heavier, at 12.5 pounds (in comparison, the 32-cup Ready-Read dispenser weighs just 5.5 pounds). But it's not intended to be lifted once it's been set up at the install location anyway. Getting Started & Our Thoughts on Design Getting started was really easy - we just had to assemble the pitcher or dispenser. Unlike most other gravity filters we've tested, Zero Water filter cartridges don't need to be primed or soaked before use, which saved us a ton of time and meant we could start enjoying filtered water straight away. Once assembled, we thought the filters and dispensers looked pretty conventional, with no super unique features that made them different from other similar units sold today: - The 12-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher has a traditional pitcher shape, with a reservoir that slots into the top of the unit. The filter screws into the bottom of the reservoir. We could pour from the pitcher and only filtered water would leave the spout. - The Ready-Read dispenser is rectangular, with a plastic spigot. It needs to be positioned at the edge of a counter or a sink so that you can fit a glass underneath it. - The 40-Cup Glass Ready-Pour Dispenser is cylindrical, with a plastic spigot. The spigot is high enough that you can position a smaller glass underneath without having to put the dispenser on the very edge of the counter. We found that if the dispenser was sitting too close to the edge, we had an issue where we would bump into the spigot and accidentally turn it on and water would start running out. In all, on first inspection and use, we thought the Zero Water water pitcher and dispenser units were simply but solidly built, with a good variation of water-holding capacities. We appreciated the glass option as a plastic-free alternative (although we wish the spigot was also all-glass). 🧪 Our Testing We've used our Zero Water filters to filter city water in our home in Colorado. We wanted to test them for a few specific performance factors, including how they affected our water quality, how long they took to filter our water, their ease of use, and more. We've discussed these factors in detail below. Our Water Taste, Smell, & Quality First, we wanted to see how the Zero Water filter could improve the taste, smell, and overall quality of our water. The Zero Water filter cartridge that's used across all dispensers and pitchers uses five filtration stages, including 3 layers of physical filtration, ion exchange resin, and activated carbon media. The filter has been tested to remove 43 different contaminants, including metals like arsenic, lead, and chromium, as well as fluoride, chlorine, and PFAs. We expected that our filtered water would taste better given the inclusion of activated carbon media in the filter. Activated carbon is widely used for water filtration because it removes contaminants associated with taste and smell, namely chlorine. We taste-tested our unfiltered tap water and compared it to our filtered water, and here were the key things we noted: - All chlorine tastes and smells were gone - Our water tasted clean and fresh, if not a bit plain We think the reason why our water tasted "plain" is because the filter's ion exchange resin removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, which give water an alkaline taste. In a study of 15 bottled mineral waters, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium were highlighted as the key mineral nutrients that give water its unique flavor. Without these minerals, and given that our water's TDS was close to 0, our water was lacking any properties to enhance its taste. Important taste information: Towards the end of the filter life, our filtered tap water took on an unpleasant, slightly acidic taste. This is due to the ion exchange resin degrading, which releases an organic compound called trimethylamine, and has been experienced by numerous other customers (some describe the taste as sour, lemony, or even fishy). We've found that the only way to prevent this smell is to frequently wash out our pitcher/dispenser and replace the filters on time. We haven't been able to obtain firsthand testing data for the Zero Water 5-stage filter yet, but it's on our list, and we'll update our review when we have these results. TDS Reduction Since a big part of Zero Water's marketing is that its 5-stage filter can greatly reduce TDS, we wanted to see how much TDS the filter could reduce from our own water. We used the included TDS meter to test our water's TDS before filtration, and post-filtration. We first did this test when we'd started using a new filter, so we could see exactly how much TDS it could reduce before its filtration became less effective as it neared the end of its lifespan. Our unfiltered water had a TDS reading of 31, and this reading went down to 0 in our filtered water. We got the same reading of 0 after two weeks of use. That meant the filter did the job of reducing our water's TDS as advertised. However, we still have issues with ZeroWater's marketing, which seems to insinuate that all dissolved solids are bad (we've discussed this later in the review). Ease of Use We were also keen to test how easy the Zero Water filtration systems were for us to use. We wanted something that we could easily integrate into our everyday routine, and the Zero Water systems ticked our boxes. A big advantage for us was that the systems are countertop gravity units, so we didn't have to waste time installing them at our water line. However, this does have its setbacks - it meant we had to fill the pitcher/dispenser manually throughout the day, so we always had filtered water whenever we needed it. The dispensers were particularly easy to use because we could dispense water straight from the spigot. However, they were less practical and needed to be kept in one location. Unlike the 12-Cup Pitcher, they couldn't be carried when full. One setback of the pitcher design that we noticed was that if we tilted the jug too much, a lot of water would come out of the spout all at once. Zero Water filters reduce TDS like reverse osmosis systems, but, unlike reverse osmosis, they don't waste water. That meant we could enjoy a similar filtered water quality without having to empty batches of wastewater down the drain. Filtration Time Filtration time is something that we were less impressed with. We expect gravity filters like pitchers and dispensers to filter water more slowly because they're not powered by water pressure. This is one of their setbacks compared to other types of filters, like faucet filters and under-sink filters, which are connected to your water line and deliver filtered tap water on demand. But the Zero Water filter system works very slowly, even by a gravity filter's standards. We think this is because the filter combines 5 filtration stages in one cartridge, so there's a lot of resistance as water travels through. The good news, at least, is that means water gets plenty of contact time with the filter media. We got into the habit of filling our pitchers and dispensers as soon as we woke up, then topping up the unfiltered water reservoir wherever we dispensed some filtered water, so we always had filtered water ready to drink. 📑 Filter Testing & Certifications The Zero Water 5-stage water filter is NSF certified to Standard 42 and Standard 53 for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor, chromium 6, lead, mercury, PFOA, and PFOS. The manufacturer has also obtained independent testing using EPA-approved methods to demonstrate the filter's ability to remove 43 different contaminants from tap water (view the independent lab testing data here). We appreciate ZeroWater's transparency, but we wish the filter could be tested to remove additional contaminants of concern, including pesticides, chloramine, pharmaceuticals, radionuclides, microplastics, and VOCs. See the full list of contaminants that the Zero Water filters have been tested to remove below. ❗️ Our Problem With ZeroWater's TDS Removal Claims We mentioned earlier that ZeroWater puts a big emphasis on the fact that its filters can remove TDS, or total dissolved solids, down to 0 in tap water. We understand that many folks like knowing that they're removing virtually all their water's dissolved solids, and using the TDS meter for proof of the process. The problem we have with this is that it has misled a lot of customers into believing that reducing TDS down to zero is absolutely essential, and that all dissolved solids are bad. This isn't true: there are some dissolved solids, like healthy minerals, for instance, that are good for us. But these minerals affect TDS, and because ZeroWater's marketing is all about getting TDS down to 0, they get removed by the ZeroWater 5-stage filter. Do we need healthy minerals? According to this 2017 review of 67 studies, various minerals in water have positive effects on digestion and skeletal health, and may even reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. However, folks who follow a healthy diet don't need to obtain minerals from their drinking water because they'll get plenty from their foods. Plus, there are some contaminants that don't affect TDS, including non-ionic compounds (disinfection chemicals, byproducts, and pesticides), dissolved gases like nitrogen, and particles like silt, clay, and microorganisms, which don't dissolve in water and therefore aren't classed as dissolved solids. All of these won't be measured by a TDS meter. So, even if your water's TDS is low, it might still contain certain harmful impurities. That said, in ZeroWater's case, there is an activated carbon component that should adsorb many of these other organic contaminants that aren't detected by the TDS meter. This Drinking Water And Health evaluation found that disinfectant chemicals like chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone "react readily with carbon" and are effectively adsorbed by an activated carbon media. The only way to know this for sure is with lab testing - something we plan to do soon. We personally prefer to retain certain healthy dissolved solids in our water. We would much rather see evidence that ZeroWater filters can remove specific contaminants that we're concerned about, instead of knowing that they can remove TDS as a whole. Luckily, ZeroWater does have proof of contaminant removal, although we'd like to see its filters get tested to remove more impurities - some of its closest competitors have been tested to remove 200+ or even 300+ contaminants. 🔧Setup & Maintenance Considerations We found that the ZeroWater filter systems were easier to assemble and set up than most similar systems. The big advantage for us was that we didn't have to prime or soak the filter, so we could just attach it to the unit and start filtering straight away. ZeroWater's 4-step assembly instructions are really simple to follow, and there are plenty of videos online if you need a visual demonstration. On the other end, our maintenance commitments were worse than we expected, because the lifespan of the 5-stage ZeroWater filter is one of the worst we've seen for a gravity filtration system. It can filter just 40-50 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced. Experts recommend that we aim to drink around half a gallon of water per day. Let's say you have two people in your household, so you filter a gallon of tap water a day in the ZeroWater pitcher. That means it'll last you around 40-50 days, or 5-7 weeks on average. We found that our filters lasted around 1-2 months, but some customers said their filters only lasted 2-3 weeks. Assuming that we needed around 8 filters a year, we'd be spending around $110 annually on filter replacements, so at least the ongoing cost isn't too bad. Our tip: If you want to extend the lifespan of your ZeroWater filter, pre-filter your tap water through a cheaper system before you send it through the ZeroWater system. This will reduce some contaminants, so your costlier ZeroWater cartridge will have a longer lifespan. The helpful thing about having a TDS test meter is that we could use it to monitor the filter's performance. The manufacturer recommends replacing the filter when the TDS levels read 006. You can also go off taste, since we and many other customers noticed a distinct taste to their water when a filter change was needed. But the TDS water tester is a more accurate way to determine the filter performance. 🤔 Is the Zero Water Pitcher Or Dispenser Right for You? In our opinion, the ZeroWater pitcher or dispenser is right for you if you want a way to remove total dissolved solids from your tap water without the expense, complex setup, and water waste of a reverse osmosis system. As long as you're happy to commit to changing filters as and when needed, the ZeroWater filter systems offer a simple, affordable, easy-setup, filtered drinking water solution. The annual cost of replacement filters is significantly cheaper than the cost of sustaining a bottled water habit. The Zero Water pitcher is cheaper than most other point-of-use filters, so it's a good option in general if you want to keep your costs low. When don't we recommend the ZeroWater filters? Given that the 5-stage filter removes healthy minerals, we don't recommend ZeroWater if you prefer to retain these minerals in your tap water. Instead, choose a carbon-based water filter pitcher that removes harmful contaminants while retaining minerals (most of them do). Plus, the filter lifespan is pretty bad, so we don't recommend ZeroWater to folks who want to enjoy filtered drinking water with mineral commitment or maintenance. Finally, the ZeroWater filter has only been tested to remove just over 40 contaminants, while other water filter pitchers and dispensers we've reviewed have been tested to remove hundreds. If your priority is contaminant removal rather than TDS reduction, we suggest looking at some of the other pitchers and dispensers on the market. Found this review helpful? Comment below or share this article! Read the full article

Molecular Structure and Variety Classification of Epoxy Adhesives

Epoxy resin is a polymer compound containing two or more epoxy groups in the molecule and with a low relative molecular mass. There are many varieties and brands of epoxy resin, but bisphenol A glycidyl ether epoxy resin, commonly known as bisphenol A epoxy resin, is the most important category, accounting for 90% of the total epoxy resin production.

Bisphenol A type epoxy resin is also called general-purpose epoxy resin and standard epoxy resin. It is named E-type epoxy resin in China. It is formed by the condensation polymerization of bisphenol (BPA or DPP) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Depending on the ratio of raw materials, reaction conditions and methods used, viscous liquids with low molecular weight and solids with high molecular weight and high softening point with different degrees of polymerization can be produced. The average relative molecular mass is 300~7000. The appearance is almost colorless or light yellow transparent viscous liquid or flaky brittle solid. Epoxy resin itself is a thermoplastic linear polymer. When heated, the viscosity of the liquid resin becomes lower and the solid resin softens or melts. Soluble in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, benzene, toluene, xylene, absolute ethanol, ethylene glycol and other organic solvents.

The chemical name of hydrogenated bisphenol A-type epoxy resin is hydrogenated bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, which is obtained by the polycondensation of hexahydrobisphenol A obtained by hydrogenating bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide. It is an epoxy resin with very low viscosity, long gel time and good weather resistance.

The chemical name of bisphenol F epoxy resin is bisphenol F diglycidyl ether, referred to as DGEBF or BPF. It is a colorless or light yellow transparent viscous liquid produced by reacting phenol and formaldehyde under an acidic catalyst to form bisphenol F, and then performing a polycondensation reaction with epichlorohydrin under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide.

The chemical name of bisphenol S epoxy resin is bisphenol S diglycidyl ether, abbreviated as BPS or KGEBS. It is produced from bisphenol S and epoxy propane under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide. Bisphenol S-type epoxy resin has high heat resistance, and its heat distortion temperature is 60 to 700C higher than bisphenol A epoxy resin. The cured product is stable and has good solvent resistance.

Bisphenol P epoxy resin is produced by synthesizing bisphenol P using 3-chloropropene and phenol as the main raw materials, and then condensing it with epichlorohydrin under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide. Bisphenol P epoxy resin has large molecular chain flexibility, good fluidity at low temperatures, lower viscosity than bisphenol A epoxy resin, and higher compressive strength and impact strength than bisphenol A epoxy resin.

Phenolic epoxy resins mainly include phenol novolac ester epoxy resin and o-cresol novolac epoxy resin, as well as resorcinol-type phenolic epoxy resin. In addition, tetraphenol ethane epoxy resin also belongs to phenolic epoxy resin. Phenol novolac epoxy resin (EPN) is a novolac resin obtained by the polycondensation reaction of phenol and formaldehyde in an acidic medium, and then polycondensed with excess epichlorohydrin in the presence of sodium hydroxide. It is a brownish-yellow viscous liquid or semi-solid.

O-cresol novolac epoxy resin is a linear o-cresol novolac epoxy resin obtained by the condensation of o-cresol and formaldehyde, and then reacted with epichlorohydrin in the presence of sodium hydroxide. A yellow to amber solid obtained after multi-step treatment.

The chemical name of epoxy resorcinol formaldehyde resin is resorcinol formaldehyde tetraglycidyl ether. It is a four-functional phenolic resin produced by reacting resorcin and formaldehyde with oxalic acid as a catalyst. It is an orange-yellow viscous liquid obtained by condensation with epichlorohydrin in the presence of sodium hydroxide.

The chemical name of tetraphenol ethane epoxy resin is tetraphenol ethane glycidyl ether (PGEE). It is produced by the reaction of phenol and glyoxal in the presence of an acidic catalyst, and then reacts with epichlorohydrin under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide.

Naphthol novolac epoxy resin (EEPN) is produced by condensation polymerization of a-naphthol and formaldehyde solution to synthesize linear phenolic resin, which is then reacted with epichlorohydrin under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide.

Due to the introduction of fluorine atoms, fluorinated epoxy resin has a dense molecular structure, and carbon and fluorine atoms are closely arranged around the resin main chain. Therefore, the surface tension, friction coefficient and refractive index are very low, and it has excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, heat resistance, pollution resistance and durability. However, the price is too high and cannot be used for general purposes.

With the continuous development of high-tech and technology. In recent years, the modification of epoxy resin has continued to deepen, and methods such as interpenetrating networks, chemical copolymerization, and nanoparticle toughening have been widely used. There are also more and more varieties of high-performance adhesives formulated with epoxy resin.

There are many varieties of epoxy resin adhesives, and their classification methods and classification indicators have not yet been unified. Usually classified according to the following methods. Classification according to the form of adhesive: such as solvent-free adhesives, (organic) solvent-based adhesives, water-based adhesives (which can be divided into water-emulsion type and water-soluble type), paste adhesives, film-like adhesives (epoxy film), etc.

Classified by curing conditions: cold-curing glue (non-heating curing glue). It is further divided into low-temperature curing glue, with a curing temperature of less than 15°C; room temperature curing glue, with a curing temperature of 15 to 40°C.

Thermal curing glue can be divided into: medium temperature curing glue, the curing temperature is about 80~120°C; high temperature curing glue, the curing temperature is >150°C. Other methods of curing glue, such as light-curing glue, wet surface and water-curing glue, latent curing glue, etc.

Classification according to bonding strength: Structural adhesives have high shear and tensile strength, and should also have high uneven tear-off strength so that the bonded joints can withstand loads such as vibration, fatigue, and impact over a long period of time. At the same time, it should also have high heat resistance and weather resistance; the secondary stress structural adhesive can withstand medium loads, usually with a shear strength of 17-25Mpa and an uneven tear-off strength of 20-50kN/m. Non-structural adhesive, that is, general-purpose adhesive. Its room temperature strength is relatively high, but as the temperature increases, the bonding strength decreases rapidly. It can only be used on parts that are not subject to much force.

Classified by use: general adhesives, special adhesives. Such as high temperature resistant glue (use temperature ≥150°C), low temperature resistant glue (can withstand temperatures of -50°C or lower), strain glue (used for pasting strain gauges), conductive glue, sealant (used for vacuum seals and mechanical seals) , optical glue (colorless and transparent, resistant to light aging, refractive index matches optical parts), corrosion-resistant glue, structural glue, etc. It can also be classified according to the type of curing agent, such as amine cured epoxy glue, acid anhydride cured glue, etc. It can also be divided into two-component glue and one-component glue, pure epoxy glue and modified epoxy glue.

More information or free samples or price quotations, please contact us via email: [email protected] , or voice to us at: +86-28-8411-1861.

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