May 16, 2008

To our Valued Customers,

We are aware that there are reports in the media on a daily basis alarming the general public regarding the safety of using polycarbonate bottles. There have been test results that indicate the leaching of bpa into the contents of bottles that have been heated to high temperatures. These findings have occurred primarily in infant/toddler feeding bottles that are commonly microwaved or boiled. Canada has been the most aggressive in the crusade against polycarbonate bottles and has banned the sale of baby bottles for individuals under 18 months. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence released regarding the safety of those individuals who use polycarbonate bottles. Cool Gear EZ-Freeze bottles are designed to be used for Cold water hydration. In fact we hold patents on freezer technology that help keep the contents cold. We do NOT recommend microwaving our water bottles.

The following statement was released on May 15, 2008 in The Wall Street Journal, by a senior FDA scientist. {Health Blog)

"[A] large body of available evidence indicates that food contact materials containing BPA currently on the market are safe, and that exposure levels to BPA from these materials, including exposure to infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects."

Norris Alderson, the agency’s associate commissioner for science, added that the agency is reviewing the data on BPA, and could change its stance if the evidence warrants. His full testimony, before a Senate subcommittee on consumer affairs, is online here.

Cool Gear has always been committed to the health and safety of our customers. All of our polycarbonate bottles (identified with the number 7 recycle symbol) have been tested by International Testing Labs for safety and function. Our entire line of hydration bottles has passed federal regulations and are FDA approved. Our bottles have also passed EU and Japanese standards and have been deemed safe. Please note that our bottles are meant to be used for cold hydration. They are not meant to be boiled or microwaved, as with polycarbonate baby bottles, which is cause for dispute. The FDA has committed recently to reexamine the effects of BPA in children and adults. We as a company, are committed to ship a safe product and will continue to test against FDA, EU and Japanese standards. Cool Gear does not manufacture any of our hydration bottles in materials such as PVC (recycle symbol #3) and Polystyrene (recycle symbol #6). We have an extensive line of hydration, as well as storage and serveware that is BPA free. As a company, we are PVC free. (Please note that on the bottom of our bottles we have another number which refers to the tool number. This should not be confused with the recycle number.)

Cool Gear constantly strives to develop products that reflect our commitment to quality and innovation. We are proud to announce our newest line of hydration bottles, EZ-Freeze Free. We have been developing this line for a year and was introduced to retailers over the past 6 months. These bottles are manufactured with a new copolyester named Tritan™, which is produced by Eastman Chemical. It is 100% bisphenol-a (BPA) free and will represent the next generation of our On The Go Hydration line. We also have a large selection of juvenile bottles that will be manufactured in this revolutionary new material. Please note that this new copolyester is also a number 7 recycle symbol. The number 7 recycle symbol includes many other plastics that do not fall into their own category. Our entire line of EZ- Freeze Free will have an engraved stamp of BPA FREE on the bottom of every item. EZ-Freeze Free will be available soon.

As the owner of Cool Gear and a mother of two children, I can assure you that we design and manufacture every product to meet a high standard of quality and safety, and we will continue to do so. We appreciate your concerns and greatly appreciate your business. If you have any further concerns, do not hesitate to call us on our toll free number at 1-800-386-3374. We will continue to update you on a regular basis.

Sincerely,
Donna J. Roth
President/CEO