Is it safe to reuse plastic water bottles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety of reusing plastic water bottles and the effects of exposure to heat or sunlight on these bottles. Participants explore concerns related to potential leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the water, as well as the sanitary implications of reuse.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the safety of reusing plastic water bottles and expresses uncertainty about the reasons behind their mother's caution.
  • Another participant suggests that if there were significant safety concerns, there would be warnings on food labels, indicating a lack of worry about the issue.
  • A different participant recalls reading about hazards related to polymers in plastic bottles but cannot remember the source, expressing a personal recommendation against reuse due to sanitary concerns and the potential for plasticizers to leach into liquids.
  • One participant challenges the idea that reusing bottles is particularly problematic, arguing that if plasticizers leach out, it should occur regardless of whether the bottle is reused or simply stored, suggesting that the concerns may be exaggerated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety of reusing plastic water bottles, with some advocating caution and others dismissing the concerns as unfounded. No consensus is reached on the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and personal experiences, but there is uncertainty regarding the credibility of the information about chemical leaching and sanitary practices. The discussion reflects a mix of anecdotal evidence and personal beliefs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in health and safety regarding food and beverage containers, particularly those concerned about the implications of reusing plastic items.

cncbmb
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Is it alright to reuse plastic water bottles or leave them out in the sun or heat before using them? My dear mother seems to think that it isn't alright but I am not sure why.

Is there a more reliable source that answers this question than a first link off google?
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp
 
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If there were problems with it, there would be food label warnings. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
cncbmb said:
Is it alright to reuse plastic water bottles or leave them out in the sun or heat before using them? My dear mother seems to think that it isn't alright but I am not sure why.

Is there a more reliable source that answers this question than a first link off google?
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp



I remember reading about the hazards of polymers in the bottle going into the water however not quite able to recall whether it was from a credible source.

I would not recommend reusing plastic bottles for one it is unsanitary. Plasticizers do dissolve into aqueous solutions when a small amount of solvent is present , for example Ethanol. I worked with polymers and always used glass apparatuses for experiments rather than sterile Corning cups after it was found that they ruined some Refractive Index experiments by having plasticizers dissolve into the aqueous solution.
 
If its unsafe to do this because plasticisers leach out of the bottle, then surely that would happen whether the bottle was being reused, or simply sitting in the store filled with mineral water waiting to be sold!

I can't see why rinsing them out and reusing them would create the problem. Sounds like a myth to me, I wouldn't worry about it.
 

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