Wednesday, July 1, 2026
ADVT 
Health

Reusing Plastic Bottles Could Do You More Harm Than Good

Darpan News Desk IANS, 28 Jun, 2017 12:01 PM
    Refilling those plastic bottles again and again could actually be harmful to your health, as per a new research.
     
     
    That's because the plastic bottle you're constantly replenishing isn't made to be re-filled - meaning it could have the potential to leach chemicals and harbour harmful bacteria.
     
     
    In a study conducted by Treadmill Reviews, researchers lab-tested water bottles after each had been used by an athlete for a week and found that the highest number of bacteria reached over 900,000 colony forming units per square cm on average.
     
     
    Worryingly, that's more bacteria than the average toilet seat. It also found that 60 per cent of the germs they found on the water bottles were able to people sick.
     
     
    Although it is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months, you may want to think twice next time you reach for that reusable bottle, if you want to avoid germs and getting sick.
     
     
    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. Because there have been concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA) - a controversial chemical, which is used in the manufacture of plastics and is thought to interfere with sex 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."
     
     
    It's a sentiment shared by the NHS too, which has confirmed BPA has the potential to migrate into beverages. However, they have suggested that more research is required into the affects of the chemical on 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."
     
     
    But aside from this, there is another potentially worrying side effect of topping up your water bottle - bacteria.
     
     
    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.
     
    Previous research has also shown that pregnant women exposed to BPA in high doses can potentially lead to low birth weight (LBW) in newborn children.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Cancer detection made simpler with 'virtual breast'

    Cancer detection made simpler with 'virtual breast'
    To help clinicians better interpret the results of a cancer detection test - ultrasound elastography, researchers have developed what they call a "virtual breast"....

    Cancer detection made simpler with 'virtual breast'

    People with steady heartbeat more prone to stress

    People with steady heartbeat more prone to stress
    If you have a steady heartbeat when you worry about something that may or may not happen, you might be more susceptible to stress, says a study....

    People with steady heartbeat more prone to stress

    New test for early cancer detection

    New test for early cancer detection
    The test, called the "lymphocyte genome sensitivity" (LGS) test, could detect some cancers earlier than ever before, the study noted....

    New test for early cancer detection

    Vitamin D has no link with type 2 diabetes

    Vitamin D has no link with type 2 diabetes
    Challenging evidence from earlier studies, which suggest that higher concentrations of vitamin D might prevent type 2 diabetes, a study found that there....

    Vitamin D has no link with type 2 diabetes

    Avoid air pollution to manage asthma

    Avoid air pollution to manage asthma
    "Air pollution is known to be associated with worsening asthma symptoms, but sometimes changing routines with regard to exposure to air pollution can....

    Avoid air pollution to manage asthma

    Men have 400 more active genes in muscles than women

    Men have 400 more active genes in muscles than women
    In the report, a team of scientists produced a complete transcriptome - a key set of molecules that can help scientists see which genes are active in an organ at a particular time....

    Men have 400 more active genes in muscles than women