Water is one of the main components that the body needs to maintain its health, but we must consider the bottles we drink from.
Plastic is one of the most harmful materials to our lives, due to the compounds it contains that may harm our bodies.
What are they made of?
According to the health website “healthline,” plastic bottles are made from a variety of resins and organic compounds that can be manufactured into synthetic polymers.
Plastic bottles have a recycling symbol printed on them, which tells you the type of plastic they are made from, and the symbols range from numbers 1 to 7.
Not all types of plastic are used in the production of plastic bottles, most of which are made from plastics (1-2-7).
The three types of plastic used in the production of plastic bottles are:
1- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE):
It is the chemical name for polyester, although it does not contain any worrisome chemicals, antimony has been found to leach into the water from the bottle when exposed to heat, such as leaving it in the sun or in a hot car. PET bottles are for single-use only.
2- High-density polyethylene (HDPE):
It is a low-risk plastic with low leaching risks.
It is also a contributing factor to thyroid disorders, meaning that it can affect the thyroid system that controls your hormones. There is no conclusive evidence that nonylphenol can leak from polyethylene bottles, as high-density polyethylene is durable and designed to resist bacterial growth, and it is not believed to be affected by heat or sunlight. These bottles are intended for one-time use only.
Poly Carbonate or Epoxy Resins:
Containers marked with the recycling symbol number 7 are often made of polycarbonate plastic or epoxy resins, which contain BPA (Bisphenol A).
Small amounts of BPA can leach from plastic containers into the liquid they contain. However, BPA is one of the causes of thyroid disorders that have been linked to many health problems.
BPA can also negatively affect children’s behavior and harm the brain and prostate glands in fetuses, infants, and children.
Therefore, bottles bearing this symbol should be used with caution and not heated or reused.
Are plastic bottles safe for reuse?
Plastic bottles are not manufactured or designed for continuous use,
so it is better for you to buy an environmentally friendly water bottle made of stainless steel:
One study analyzed bottled water from multiple manufacturers in various countries and found that 93 percent of them were contaminated with tiny plastic particles that leach into the liquid or food from the container. Reusing plastic bottles with the codes (1 and 2) can be a good practice sometimes, as long as certain precautions are taken.
Inspect for cracks or scratches: Plastic bottles of any kind should not be reused if they have even minor signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or scratches, as these allow chemicals to easily seep out.
Avoid exposing plastic bottles to heat: Do not let plastic bottles heat up, as this also allows chemicals to easily leach out. Therefore, if you are using a plastic bottle in hot weather or in humid or steamy environments, dispose of it. It is also best to avoid direct sunlight exposure for plastic bottles.
Wash plastic bottles with warm water and soap: Plastic bottles should be washed with warm water and soap to prevent bacterial growth, then thoroughly rinsed before refilling.