Is reusing plastic bottles to store drinking water and spices harmful to health?

Many families still have the habit of reusing PET plastic bottles to store drinking water, fish sauce, cooking oil, etc. However, experts warn that overusing plastic bottles can cause bacteria and chemicals to enter the body.

Many people still keep the habit of reusing PET plastic bottles.

It is not difficult to see images of used PET plastic bottles being washed and neatly arranged in the kitchen for reuse.

"I find mineral water bottles quite clean and convenient, so I often keep them to pour cooled boiled water or filtered water into to drink, or when I need to store liquid solutions, I have them to use so I rarely throw them away," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (32 years old, in Long Binh ward, Ho Chi Minh City).

In student dormitories, plastic bottles are also used in many ways. "I often collect plastic bottles to make ice cups to put in the refrigerator, to make funnels to measure rice, with large mineral water bottles I store drinking water every day in my dorm room, small mineral water bottles I bring water to school...", Thu Hang, a third-year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU-HCM, said.

Reuse plastic bottles to store drinks and spices

PHOTO: Le Cam

Some families also use PET plastic bottles to store cooking oil, fish sauce, and even pre-mix lemonade and ginseng water for convenience. Ms. Tran Thi Thanh (in Thu Duc ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "Plastic bottles are light and easy to use, and it's a waste to throw them away. I often store them to store spices, honey, fruit juice, cold water... in the refrigerator to drink gradually."

These habits are very common, especially in families who want to save money or prefer convenience. However, experts warn that reusing plastic bottles too many times or storing hot liquids can cause plastic bottles to release chemicals and heavy metals, causing long-term health effects.

Potential health risks of reusing PET plastic bottles

Specialist Doctor 1 Bui Hoang Bich Uyen, Department of Nutrition, Xuyen A General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City said that PET plastic bottles are bottles made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), also known as plastic number 1. This type of plastic is famous for its high durability, light weight, transparency, and good water resistance, widely used to produce bottles for drinking water, soft drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Usually at the bottom of the bottle if you see a triangle symbol with the number 1, the letters PET or PETE, it is PET plastic - should only be used once.

PET plastic bottle identification symbol on the bottom of the bottle

PHOTO: LE CAM

According to Dr. Uyen, reusing PET plastic bottles can pose some potential risks:

Bacterial buildup : Repeated use without proper cleaning can lead to bacterial contamination, which can be hazardous to your health.

Chemical Exposure : When exposed to high temperatures (above 70°C) or left in sunlight for a long time, the PET plastic structure can deform and release chemicals such as phthalates and antimony into the drinks or food inside.

"Therefore, you should not reuse plastic bottles to store drinking water, especially hot water. If you must reuse them, only store cold water, for a short time, wash them and let them dry completely before reusing. It is best to use specialized bottles (HDPE plastic number 2, PP number 5, or stainless steel, glass) for long-term reuse," Dr. Bich Uyen recommends.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tai-su-dung-chai-nhua-de-dung-nuoc-uong-gia-vi-co-gay-hai-suc-khoe-185250912155058472.htm