Reusing and recycling thing is a good thing to do. It reduces the waste generation and our carbon footprint as well. But are you reusing the disposable plastic bottles again and again? Your plastic bottles might be doing harm to your body. This happens because the plastic bottle which you’re reusing isn’t meant to be reused at all. Reusing it again and again can harbour leach chemicals and harmful bacteria in the bottle. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been a controversial chemical which has raised a question over plastic bottle’s security for many years.
Bisphenol A or BPA is used in the manufacture of plastics and is thought to play havoc with our reproductive hormones.
"Certain chemicals found in plastic bottles can have effects on every system in our bodies,' Dr Marilyn Glenville warned Good Housekeeping.
"They can affect ovulation, and increase our risk of hormonally driven problems like PCOS, endometriosis and breast cancer, among other things."
NHS too has laid their stamp on it. They have confirmed that BPA has the potential to transfer into the liquid stored in the plastic bottle. However, more research is required to study the exact impact of BPA in humans.
It said: "The science is not yet completely clear on how BPA may affect humans. BPA may mimic hormones and interfere with the endocrine system of glands, which release hormones around the body.
"Those calling for a ban suggest that it may be a factor in a rising numbers of human illnesses, such as breast cancer, heart disease and genital birth defects."
Apart from BPA, there’s another concern that lingers about your plastic water bottle, and that is bacteria. A study was conducted by Treadmill Reviews in which researchers lab-tested the water bottles after they were used by an athlete for over a week. They found high amount of bacteria, nearly 900,000 colony forming units per square cm on average! This is more bacteria than an average toilet seat.
It also found that 60 per cent of the germs they found on the water bottles were able to people sick. So what can you do to avoid becoming ill? It's simple really - don't re-use disposable bottles. Drink from them once and then recycle.
It's also a great idea to buy BPA-free plastic bottles where possible or invest in a refillable one made out of glass or stainless steel.
