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

    Air pollution leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes

    Air pollution leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes
    A recent study by Tel Aviv University researchers has provided new evidence linking high exposure to air pollution to an increased risk of congenital malformations....

    Air pollution leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes

    Kids with Type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth

    Kids with Type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth
    Children with Type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth compared with children without diabetes, shows a new study....

    Kids with Type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth

    'Technophobia' stops elderly from managing diabetes

    'Technophobia' stops elderly from managing diabetes
    Despite owning a smartphone or computer with daily internet access, only a small number of older adults actually use them as tools to better manage Type 2 diabetes, shows a study....

    'Technophobia' stops elderly from managing diabetes

    Calgary man who taped dog, cat to receive psych assessment before sentencing

    Calgary man who taped dog, cat to receive psych assessment before sentencing
    CALGARY — A Calgary man who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges for taping shut the mouths of a dog and cat will remain in custody while he undergoes a psychiatric assessment.

    Calgary man who taped dog, cat to receive psych assessment before sentencing

    A Hug A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

    A Hug A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
    It may not be a far-fetched idea to replace apple a day with a hug as researchers have found that more frequent hugs protect stressed people from getting sick.

    A Hug A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

    Check Your Weight Once A Week To Lose Fat!

    Check Your Weight Once A Week To Lose Fat!
    It may seem a bit bizarre but researchers have found that how often you step on the scale to measure weight is linked to weight loss - the more is the frequency, the faster you slim down.

    Check Your Weight Once A Week To Lose Fat!