ironraven,

I'm not saying that your wrong, because I don't think that any of us know for sure until we try it.

I do think you are right in that is isn't ideal, and I certainly wouldn't recommend carrying a lexan bottle expecting to use it to boil water. But if you have no other water containers at all, and feel that you need to boil water for some reason, then it would be nice to know if it was possible.

I'll try it this weekend and we'll see how it goes. I don't really have any idea if it will work or not, but we will at least have a better idea hopefully. I'm not going to try to regulate the heat, since as you said I don't believe there will be a practicle way to do it in the field, other than maybe a rough idea of how long I perform the heating. Should be an adventure! And I won't need a mop, because I am going to do it outside! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

As for me not being an expert in biochemistry, that is true. However, I have submitted papers to several scientific journals, and I know how it works. I also know how often data is manipulated to support the particular scientists agenda. How many examples should I list on all of the carcinogens that have been "discovered" over the years? Saccarine? DDT? Aspartame? Please. One study finds caffine is bad for you, the next says it isn't.

Upon review of the studies posted, it appears that there is definately evidence of bias (and if one side exhibits it, why should we believe the other doesn't?). Also, the studies seem to indicate that effects are for fairly significant doses over several days, which is unlikely to be the case in any situation that this techinique would be used. Also, I suppose if you are pregnant, you may wish to choose another option (although dying of dehydration isn't a terribly good one either, IMHO).

As a radiation physicist, I see all kinds of nonsense written about radiation physics and biology (on this list even). Perhaps I am incorrect and the water that I boil in my Nalgene water bottle will be the deadliest thing since ebola. I am also not suggesting that everyone make a habit of drinking such water daily by the gallon as a tonic.

If I am ever in the situation where I have to try something like this, the last thing on my mind is going to be what the potential hazards of the nalgene are.

Greg