Since the Americans launched the first plastic bottle in 1970, this cheap and practical item has been used everywhere as containers for water, oil, milk, juice, carbonated drinks. Many people keep water bottles for a long time, because they are so convenient to take on the road or for training. However, not all bottles can be reused. The possibility of reusable use depends on the quality of manufacturing and consumer characteristics of the material.
A win-win option for reusable use is glass, but some types of plastic are guaranteed not to harm your health.
Why are plastic bottles harmful?
Frequent use of plastic bottles and other items from this material is fraught with undesirable health consequences. The fact is that in the manufacture of plastics, an inexpensive hardener bisphenol-A is used. A scanty amount of the chemical is dissolved in food or water contained in such containers. However, this is quite enough to cause significant harm to the human body.
Scientists have identified structural similarities between bisphenol-A and estrogen and the ability of a chemical to mimic the effects of the hormone. Doctors believe that this can adversely affect brain activity, as well as affect the reproductive and endocrine system.
The next disadvantage of plastic, which excludes the possibility of reuse, is due to the structure of the material: it has a rather soft surface compared to glass. Cracks and scratches quickly appear on the plastic bottle - a hotbed of bacteria.
A particularly large number of harmful microorganisms settle on the neck and inside of the lid. The thread does not allow cleaning properly, and moisture creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of microbes.
Which packaging is safer?
There are several types of plastic used to make food packaging and utensils. All of them are considered safe, their production is authorized by the relevant authorities.
The composition of the package is indicated by a triangular icon with numbers and letters inside it:
- PET (PET, PETE) - a material with low barrier properties. Ultraviolet and oxygen easily penetrate into bottles, which negatively affects the quality of water. The second time you can’t use PET bottles.
- HDPE is a high density polyethylene. Safe material, which, according to experts, does not emit harmful chemicals. It is used to store milk, water, used in the manufacture of sports flasks.
- PVC - polyvinyl chloride. Very soft and flexible material, resistant to ultraviolet radiation. Often used as containers for vegetable oil.
- LDPE is a low density polyethylene. It does not pollute water with chemical elements, but is not suitable for storing other products (butter, milk, alcohol).
- PP is polypropylene. Hard heat-resistant plastic that does not melt when heated in the microwave.
- PS - polystyrene. Affordable, lightweight, durable material, but when heated it can release harmful compounds. It is better not to use it for water and products.
- PC - polycarbonate. It is considered the safest type of plastic, which is characterized by strength and resistance to high temperatures. It does not interact with water, so repeated use of such containers is permissible. However, if you pour other liquid substances, especially hot ones, into polycarbonate bottles, they can become hazardous to your health.
OTHER - all other plastics.
Undoubtedly, the safest packaging for beverages and food is glass. It is chemically inert, does not interact with water molecules or any other liquid and does not spread substances hazardous to health. Of course, even in such a reliable container, the water exposed to the sun will rot out after a while and “bloom”. A glass bottle can be used as many times as you like. The main thing is to wash or sterilize well before use.
Silver medalist in safety - polycarbonate. This container is 20 times lighter than glass and, moreover, much stronger. However, there is a risk of harmful chemical compounds entering the material.
Bottles of polyethylene and PVC allow UV and oxygen to pass through, and in addition, toxic substances can be released into the water when the ambient temperature rises, so it is not recommended to use them several times.