Saturday, December 20, 2025
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

    No Rash Promise: Measles Vaccination May Help Preserve Defences Against Other Ills, Study Says

    LOS ANGELES — A new study suggests the measles shot comes with a bonus: By preventing that disease, the vaccine may also help your body fight off other illnesses for years.

    No Rash Promise: Measles Vaccination May Help Preserve Defences Against Other Ills, Study Says

    Ebola Is Found In Doctor's Eye Months After It Was Gone From Blood; No Virus In Tears Though

    Ebola Is Found In Doctor's Eye Months After It Was Gone From Blood; No Virus In Tears Though
    For the first time, Ebola has been discovered inside the eyes of a patient months after the virus was gone from his blood.

    Ebola Is Found In Doctor's Eye Months After It Was Gone From Blood; No Virus In Tears Though

    Women Like Casual Sex As Men Do: Study

    Women Like Casual Sex As Men Do: Study
    If you thought men are more likely to accept a sexual invitation from a stranger than women are, you are probably wrong.

    Women Like Casual Sex As Men Do: Study

    Feel Sleepy At Work? Blame It On Depression, Obesity

    Feel Sleepy At Work? Blame It On Depression, Obesity
    If you feel tired and drowsy the whole day even after a good night's sleep, it could be due to obesity or depression, a new research has found.

    Feel Sleepy At Work? Blame It On Depression, Obesity

    Menopause Not The Sex Killer For Women

    Menopause Not The Sex Killer For Women
    A woman's sex drive isn't as affected by menopause as we once thought, says a new research.

    Menopause Not The Sex Killer For Women

    Stretch Marks Worrisome Issue For New, Expecting Mothers: Survey

    According to the Yummy Mummy Survey by Nielsen, one of the most worrisome issues with respect to their physical appearance as stated by 84 percent of new and expecting mothers are stretch marks.

    Stretch Marks Worrisome Issue For New, Expecting Mothers: Survey