Is reusing plastic water bottles really good for your health?

It's something we all do, when we buy a water bottle from the store, and when we finish drinking the water, we refill the same bottle and use it again. Maybe we have that bottle with us for days. We do this because we care about the environment, or because we don't have another container in case of an emergency. But have you ever thought about how safe it is for your health to reuse the same plastic bottle over and over again? Today, we'll talk about exactly that.

Are all plastic bottles the same? What does the number on the bottom of the bottle mean?

If you pick up a plastic bottle and look at the bottom, you'll usually see a number inside a triangle. This is called the 'Resin Identifying Code' (RIC). This tells you what type of plastic the bottle is made of. It doesn't tell you whether it can be recycled or not, it just tells you the type of plastic. The water bottles we drink are usually made from recyclable plastics. Let's look at the main types.

The real question is - are the chemicals in the plastic leaching into the water?

One of the biggest concerns people have when reusing plastic bottles is chemical leaching, or 'chemical leaching'. Simply put, this is when some of the chemicals used to make the plastic slowly leach into the water we drink. The main causes of this are exposure to high temperatures (such as leaving the bottle in a car parked in the sun), exposure to sunlight, and leaving the water bottle in place for long periods of time.

What are these potentially dangerous chemicals?

• Antimony: This is a chemical used in the production of PET plastic. It can leach into water at high temperatures. Short-term exposure can cause nausea , vomiting , and diarrhea . Long-term exposure can also increase cholesterol and blood sugar levels . Therefore, never leave plastic water bottles in the sun. At room temperature, this risk is much lower.

• Bisphenol A ( BPA ): This is commonly used to make type 7 (polycarbonate) and sometimes type 3 plastics. Some studies have shown that exposure to BPA can increase the risk of high blood pressure , type 2 diabetes , and heart disease . It can also affect the brain development of unborn babies and young children. The good news is that BPA is now banned from baby bottles and sippy cups.

• Phthalates: These are chemicals used to make plastics soft and flexible. They can be found in some toys and PVC food packaging. Studies show that they can interfere with normal growth and brain development in children.

A bigger threat than chemicals! That's bacteria!

Although many people don't know it, the growth of bacteria is a much more serious health risk than the chemical leaching from reusing plastic bottles. Think about it, when you drink water from a bottle, the bacteria in your mouth collects on the cap and neck of the bottle. And the germs on our hands also get all over the bottle. When you use the same bottle for days, a lot of bacteria grows inside it. Also, these bacteria hide well in the scratches and scuffs that occur when using the bottle. It is also very difficult to completely remove these bacteria with regular soap, because the shape of the bottle makes it difficult to clean the inside. If these bacteria enter the body, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

So what is the best and safest option?

Considering all of this, the best thing to do is to reduce the reuse of plastic water bottles as much as possible.

• Use glass or stainless steel bottles: These are the best options. They are very easy to clean, there is no need to worry about chemical leakage, and they are also good for the environment. Once you buy a good bottle, you can use it for years.

• If you absolutely must reuse a plastic bottle: If you absolutely must reuse a plastic bottle, try not to use it for more than a day . Also, wash it thoroughly with hot water and soap after each use and let it dry completely.

• Recycle: When you're done using it, don't just throw it in the trash, but take it to a recycling center. It's a great way to help the environment.

If you have any further questions about this, or if you think something like this is causing your symptoms (e.g. stomach upset), it's best to see your family doctor for advice. Plastic bottles, water bottles, health risks, bacteria, BPA, chemical leaching, plastic bottle safety, reusing plastic bottles, Sinhala health tips