You can’t just drink from a bottle and refill it day after day without consequences. Sometimes, such habits can unintentionally affect your health without you realizing it.
Plastic bottles are common items for us due to their low cost, convenience, and reusability.
However, how to utilize them safely is something few people think about. Let’s go through some tips on using plastic bottles to ensure your health.
1. Not all bottles are reusable
Depending on the type of plastic, some bottles can decompose and release dangerous chemicals into the water. Therefore, not every plastic bottle is suitable for reuse.
To know which types can be reused, pay attention to the markings at the bottom of the bottle.
If the bottle has a label with the number 1 (PET or PETE): it is only safe for one-time use. When exposed to air or high temperatures (like sunlight), these types of bottles can break down into harmful substances.
Avoid using plastics labeled with numbers 3 or 7 (PVC and PC), as these are two harmful chemicals that can easily leach into food and drinks. Long-term use of such bottles could even lead to serious health issues.
Bottles made from polyethylene (numbers 2 and 4) and polypropylene (5 and PP) are suitable for multiple uses. However, note that they are only safe if used to hold cold water and must be cleaned regularly.
2. Bacteria levels comparable to… toilet seats
According to scientists, drinking water from a used plastic bottle can contain a level of bacteria comparable to that found on dog toys, and even… toilet seats. The bacterial count in these bottles often exceeds the safe thresholds.
Why? Because we create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria by handling the bottles with dirty hands, then reusing them without proper cleaning or only a superficial wash.
To mitigate this issue, wash your plastic bottles regularly with warm soapy water, vinegar, or antibacterial mouthwash. Moreover, a study has shown that most bacteria tend to reside on the cap – the part you can’t clean thoroughly. Therefore, to be safe, use a straw when drinking.
