Recently after the Melamine issue, I finally decided to search information to find out the safety of using plastic water bottle. Many years ago, I heard that it is not safe to reuse, but how true is it?
After some research, the symbols at the bottom of the plastic bottle (consists of a triangle recycle symbol, a code number inside, and an acronym below the symbol) is to differentiate different type of polymer of the plastic. Manufacturer printed it not for consumers, but for easy sorting for their recycling purposes.
Until today, people disputed for years over the safety of using it:
(1) the chemical concern
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical concern for water bottles, especially those intended for reuse and made of PC (code 7). High temperatures and bleaching (some even said frequent cleaning) are believed to increase leeching of BPA. The health impact for humans is disputed.
(2) the bacteria concern
Users are warned regarding risk of bacteria that may develop in the bottle between uses. It is recommended to clean the interior with warm soapy water and let 100% dry before re-filling.
(3) the environmental concern
Plastics are durable, and they degrade very slowly. In some cases, burning plastic can release toxic fumes. Besides, manufacturing of plastics often creates large quantities of chemical pollutants.
Many health-conscious and environmentalist are going back to glass containers. At the end of the day, final decision is still in my own hands... to use or not to use? to reuse or not to reuse? to throw or not to throw? to clean or not to clean?
'And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Kepp on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.' ~ Luke 11:9-10
