Warning against re-drinking and eating from plastic containers

Toxic particles seep into food and drink

An American researcher has warned of the health risks resulting from reusing water bottles or plastic containers that are suitable for single use only.

According to the researcher, whose statement was reported by the British newspaper "Daily Mail", Professor Sherry Mason at Pennsylvania State University in the United States found that adding more water or heating "single-use" plastic leads to the separation of nanoparticles and toxic chemicals that seep into food and liquids.

Particles that harm health

She likened the way these plastics decompose to the body's process of excreting toxins.

She pointed out that although cases of particle consumption have not been conclusively linked to cancer, previous studies have found that the accumulation of these nanoparticles in human tissues increases chemical toxicity that can lead to serious health problems, and increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Easily decomposes with liquids

She explained that these bottles are made from plastics designed for single use only, and they decompose more easily than the more rigid plastic bottles, which are designed for repeated use.

She considered that they are subject to damage over time, leading to the release of harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can contaminate water and leach toxins into the body.

In addition, bacteria and fungi can be more likely to grow inside plastic bottles if they are used repeatedly, increasing the risk of poisoning or infection.

A major state of concern

Plastic contains an average of 16,000 chemicals, 4,200 of which are considered "highly hazardous," according to Mason, citing the "US Environmental Protection Agency."

She explained that consumers view using a plastic water bottle as something that is not dangerous, but in reality they do not realize that the invisible plastics are the greater concern, as they can move into a person's blood, liver and brain.

Tap water is better

Mason cited a study by Columbia University researchers released earlier this year that found the average bottled water contains 240,000 dangerous molecules.

She warned that the rhetoric about bottled water being safer than tap water is nothing more than marketing, explaining: “Heating plastic will increase the level of toxic chemicals in the water or food, and even leaving plastic in the sun can leach toxins into the food.”