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Warning: Avoid reusing plastic mineral water bottles!

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Avoid reusing plastic water bottlesWhile buying bottled drinking water you might have thought several times about the quality of water and always wanted to go with the best available brands, but have you ever thought about the quality of the plastic container that stores your life-saving drink? Researchers say that plastic water bottles contain some harmful chemicals which may enter your body via water and put your health at considerable risk. The chances of getting sick become higher with repetitive usage of plastic bottles. Here are some valid reasons for not reusing your plastic water bottles.

1.    Overgrowth of bacteria

Plastic water bottles always have a bacterial contamination risk if they are not washed regularly. Researchers have identified that reusing these bottles without washing makes them a safe haven for bacterial overgrowth. Once these bacteria enter your body they may cause several illnesses like diarrhea and stomach pain.

2.    Contains chemicals like PET

Even the top rated companies use a chemical known as Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET in plastic bottles which contains a carcinogenic compound called diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA). Experts say that such bottles containing PET are safer for a one time use, but reusing these bottles will cause more leaking of DHEA from plastic and if this chemical enters your body (with water), it may lead to several health issues. Commonly DHEA causes irritation in the eyes and the skin, but overexposure to such agents may cause cancer as well.

3.    Contains chemicals like BPA

BPA is a chemical which is frequently used in plastic items like bottles, containers and even toys. As we get exposed to these objects we come in contact with BPA. As we drink water for the first time from a plastic bottle we get a limited exposure to this chemical. However, when we reuse the bottle more BPA leaches from the plastic and gets mixed with water, which enters our bodies upon consumption. This may give rise to an array of problems like altered hormonal levels, heart problems, neurological disorders and even cancer. 

So, in order to lead a healthy life, you should immediately break the habit and stop re-using plastic water bottles. Instead you can opt for glass bottles, paper (tetra packs) and steel containers that are less harmful for the body.

Image source: Getty images

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References:

Westerhoff P, Prapaipong P, Shock E, Hillaireau A. Antimony leaching from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used for bottled drinking water. Water Res. 2008 Feb;42(3):551-6. Epub 2007 Aug 6.


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