Lululemon Athletica Inc. will stop selling plastic water bottles that contain bisphenol A, a chemical which studies have linked to infertility and cancer. According to an environmental advocacy group, the yoga-inspired retailer will become the second-major retailer in Canada to pull the products.
Environmental Defence said Tuesday the move by Lululemon Athletica follows a decision by outdoor equipment retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op to remove the bottles from store shelves earlier this month. The group also said Patagonia had formerly decided not to sell the hard plastic bottles containing bisphenol A.
The Lululemon decision will take effect in January, the group says.
“These are the retailers that get it,” said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence. “They recognize that there are alternatives and have made their customers' health the priority. I have no doubt that other large Canadian retailers will be following suit in short order.”
Bisphenol A, which can also be found in baby bottles, sippy cups and the lining of food cans, has been shown to mimic the female hormone estrogen and could lead to hormonal disruptions such as early puberty.
Health Canada is examining the health risks of bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, and is expected to report back to the federal government by May.
