Plastic water bottles have become ubiquitous in today’s world, found in every nook and cranny, be it at home or in the office. But do you know the potential dangers of reusing plastic water bottles? If not, we’re here to tell you why it’s not advisable to reuse plastic water bottles. Let’s delve into this topic in depth.
Plastic Water Bottles and Their Risks
Plastic water bottles may seem like a convenient and commonplace option, but they can pose serious health risks if reused. Here are some key reasons why plastic water bottles should not be reused:
1. Deterioration of Condition
Repeated washing and reuse of plastic water bottles can lead to their deterioration. This can result in the release of color, odor, and taste, which may be harmful to health.
2. Leaching of Harmful Chemicals
During washing or recycling of plastic bottles, small amounts of harmful chemicals can leach out. These chemicals can be hazardous to health and may cause various health problems.
3. Microbial Growth
Reusing plastic water bottles can create an environment conducive to microbial growth. These bottles can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, especially when exposed to moisture and warmth, posing a health risk.
4. Chemical Reactions with Plastic
Storing water in plastic bottles for prolonged periods can lead to chemical reactions between the water and the plastic. This can result in the release of harmful chemical compounds into the water, which may adversely affect health.
Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles
Given the potential risks associated with reusing plastic water bottles, it’s important to explore alternative options. Here are some alternatives to consider:
1. Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stainless steel water bottles are durable, reusable, and free from harmful chemicals. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice for storing water.
2. Glass Water Bottles
Glass water bottles are another safe and eco-friendly option for storing water. They are non-reactive and do not leach harmful chemicals into the water. Glass bottles can be reused multiple times and are easy to clean.
3. BPA-Free Plastic Bottles
If you prefer plastic bottles, opt for BPA-free options. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical found in some plastics that can leach into food and beverages, posing health risks. BPA-free plastic bottles are considered safer alternatives.
4. Reusable Water Filtration Systems
Investing in a reusable water filtration system is an environmentally friendly way to access clean and safe drinking water. These systems remove impurities from tap water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Why not to Reuse Plastic Water Bottles Know its Reason in Hindi
Although water from plastic bottles is harmful in any way, its effect increases in some situations, which are given below:
- Keeping a filled bottle in the sun: If a bottle filled with water is kept in the sun or in a hot place, then there is a high possibility of microplastics coming out of the bottle which is harmful for health. Strong sunlight or high temperature can speed up this process.
- Repeatedly opening and closing the lid: Repeatedly opening and closing the lid of the bottle also increases the possibility of microplastic release which is harmful for health.
- By shaking the bottle: If you shake the water bottle too much, the chances of microplastics being released increases, which is harmful for health.
- By pouring hot drinks in the bottle: Although plastic water bottles should not be reused, but in some special circumstances, if it is used and hot drinks are poured into the bottle, then the chances of microplastics being released increases, which is harmful for health.
Plastic Water Bottles Side Effects
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , microplastics with a particle size of only less than 1.5 microns (1.5 micrometers) can be ingested or absorbed due to their solubility and may be excreted directly. While microplastic particles (<1.5 microns) larger than 1.5 microns such as those from bottled water are able to migrate through the intestinal wall and reach various tissues of the body including the intestine, liver and lymph nodes. Microscopic particles (<1.5 micrometers) that enter cells or tissues can cause irritation due to the foreign presence which can lead to inflammation in lung tissue which may lead to cancer.
Microplastics cause damage to vital organs such as intestines, liver, which can increase the risk of cancer. Compounds such as plasticizers (polymers), stabilizers and pigments used in the manufacture of bottles are prepared by microplastics which can mix with water and reach various parts of our body through blood flow.
Exposure to these chemicals can cause inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Chemicals released from bottled water packaging are now known as emerging contaminants and EDS that can increase the risk of serious health problems including cancer and developmental disorders.
Why Not to Reuse Plastic Water Bottles
Side effects of reusing plastic water bottles:
- Threat of Microplastics : Reuse increases the risk of microplastics which are harmful for health.
- Hormonal imbalance : Chemicals present in plastic bottles cause hormonal imbalance.
- Bacterial growth : Reuse can lead to bacterial growth which can affect health. Bacterial growth occurs when plastic bottles are filled and emptied repeatedly.
- Harm from proximity to plastic : Exposure to chemicals that remain from the use of plastic has negative effects on health.
- Accumulation of absorbed chemicals : Plastic bottles can accumulate absorbed chemicals which are harmful to health.
- Cancer risk: Chemicals present in reused plastic bottles increase the risk of cancer.
- Degradation of water quality : Repeated use can degrade the quality of water as plastic contains odor and chemicals.
- Impacts on the developing health system : Reusing plastic bottles can have a negative impact on the developing health system which in turn affects your health.
- Increase in pollution : Reusing plastic can increase pollution which harms the environment.
- Environmental Inequality : Increasing use of plastic can increase environmental inequality as it causes more harm to the natural balance.
Conclusion
While plastic water bottles may seem convenient, their reuse poses potential health risks due to deterioration, leaching of harmful chemicals, microbial growth, and chemical reactions with the plastic. It’s important to prioritize health and explore alternative options such as stainless steel or glass bottles, BPA-free plastics, or reusable water filtration systems. By making informed choices, we can reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and safeguard our health and the environment. Remember, when it comes to water bottles, safety should always come first.
