AeroPress did you know?

Materials used in the AeroPress® coffee maker

The AeroPress is made of three different plastics. Namely:

• The clear chamber and plunger are made of copolyester.
  
• The hard black filter cap, filter holder, funnel, and stirrer are made of polypropylene.
  
• The rubber-like seal on the end of the plunger is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.
  

All of these materials are FDA-approved for use in contact with food.  None of these materials contains bisphenol-A (BPA) or any phthalates, chemicals that have been in the news lately because of possible health effects.

AeroPress coffee makers have been made of the materials described above since August 1st, 2009. Before then, the clear chamber and plunger were made of extraordinarily high humidity and temperature-resistant polycarbonate. Polycarbonate does not contain phthalates but it does contain BPA. Even though the FDA and other governmental agencies around the world approve polycarbonate for use in contact with food, Aerobie had an independent lab test coffee brewed in a well-used AeroPress to determine how much, if any, BPA leaches into coffee brewed in a polycarbonate AeroPress. And guess what absolutely none was detected.

Given that result, one could ask why we switched to using copolyester. The answer is simple. The use of copolyester removes any perceived risk from BPA and it is a more attractive material.

Aerobie frequently gets asked if they plan to make a glass or stainless steel AeroPress coffee maker. Interestingly we also receive frequent emails from consumers thanking us for not making the AeroPress of glass. I suspect those people are tired of breaking glass coffee carafes or glass coffee presses. The facts are that glass is fragile, heavy, and expensive to manufacture with the tolerances required for the AeroPress. People then ask how about stainless steel. Unfortunately, stainless steel is heavy, expensive, and opaque and anyone who has used an AeroPress knows that transparency is helpful when using an AeroPress coffee maker. Aerobie, therefore, has no plans to make a glass or stainless steel AeroPress coffee maker and believes that the AeroPress coffee maker we currently manufacture is superior to a glass or stainless steel AeroPress coffee maker.

Even though the independent test lab was unable to detect BPA in the coffee brewed in a polycarbonate AeroPress, people who are concerned about using an AeroPress made of polycarbonate can take advantage of our spare parts policy, so you can purchase replacements for any of the AeroPress parts including the plunger and chamber.

BPA Risk?

Why is there so much fuss about BPA? We asked and got this reply:

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics and food containers, has been a topic of concern due to its potential impact on human health. Let’s delve into the perceived risks associated with BPA:

1. Exposure Routes:
   • Leaching: BPA can leach from plastic containers, food cans, and other products into the food and beverages we consume. This leaching is considered the primary route of exposure for humans.
   • In-Utero Exposure: Rodent studies have shown that in-utero exposure to BPA leads to epigenetic changes, affecting hormone receptors and potentially having long-lasting consequences.
2. Xeno-Estrogen Properties:
   • BPA is classified as a xeno-estrogen, meaning it mimics estrogen in the body. Although its affinity for estrogen receptors is much lower than native estrogen, it can still bind to these receptors.
   • Estrogen receptors are found in various tissues and cells, including those not traditionally considered endocrine-responsive. They play a role in many biological processes.
3. Cumulative Effects:
   • BPA is just one of several endocrine-disrupting chemicals we encounter daily.
   • The cumulative effects of lifelong exposure to BPA could be substantial, especially considering its potential continuous, low-level exposure throughout our lives.
4. Underestimation of BPA Levels:
   • Regulators have sometimes dismissed BPA’s adverse health effects due to perceptions that it exists in low levels.
   • However, assays that underestimate BPA levels may pose a health risk. Regulators must consider the full impact of BPA exposure¹.

In summary, while the exact health risks of BPA are still being studied, its widespread presence and potential effects warrant continued attention and assessment by regulatory bodies. 🌱🔬

Sources

the following sources were used:

• Aerobie website
• The Lancet
• American Scientist
• Updates edited with co-pilot
• Images created by co-pilot