Monday, 15/9/2025 | 10:00 GMT+7

Is reusing plastic bottles harmful?

I often reuse plastic bottles to store drinking water and condiments at home. People say this habit can be harmful. Is this true? (Han, 30, Ho Chi Minh City)

Answer:

Reusing PET plastic bottles for drinking water, fish sauce, cooking oil, or lemon and ginseng drinks remains common in many households, primarily due to its convenience and affordability. The image of clean, neatly arranged plastic bottles in the kitchen is familiar.

PET bottles, known for their durability, light weight, transparency, and impermeability, are frequently used for water, soft drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, but they should only be used once.

Reusing PET plastic bottles (plastic #1, symbolized by a triangle with the letters PET/PETE) poses potential health risks.

Reusing PET plastic bottles poses potential health risks. Photo: Metro

Reusing PET plastic bottles poses potential health risks. Photo: Metro

Reusing PET bottles can cause:

Bacterial buildup: Improper cleaning can lead to bacterial contamination, which is detrimental to health.

Chemical exposure: High temperatures above 70 degrees C or prolonged sun exposure can cause PET plastic to release chemicals like phthalate and antimony into food and beverages. These chemicals can then enter the body and pose long-term health risks.

Therefore, avoid reusing PET bottles multiple times, especially for hot liquids. If necessary, use them only for cold water, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned and completely dried, and only for a short period. Ideally, opt for designated reusable bottles (HDPE #2 plastic, PP #5 plastic, stainless steel, or glass) for safe, long-term use.

Dr. Bui Hoang Bich Uyen

Nutrition Department, Xuyen A General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/tai-su-dung-chai-nhua-co-ruoc-hoa-vao-than-4939028.html

Tags: PET plastic bottles recycled plastic bottles plastic bottles

News in the same category

Man drives 200 km to TP HCM despite heart attack

Man drives 200 km to TP HCM despite heart attack

During a trip to Phan Thiet, Hai, 37, experienced sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms similar to a previous heart attack, yet he still drove back to TP HCM before seeking hospital admission.

Early hair loss: a growing concern for young people

Early hair loss: a growing concern for young people

Hair loss not only impacts appearance but also takes a psychological toll, causing many, especially young people, to lose confidence and avoid social interaction.

The hidden enemy after a stroke

The hidden enemy after a stroke

Adjustment disorder is a psychological reaction appearing within the first three months after a stroke, which can lead to chronic depression or anxiety if not detected in time.

Why are young people getting cataracts?

Why are young people getting cataracts?

Cataracts can develop early, before the age of 60, due to extensive exposure to blue light from phones and computers, or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.

Elderly individuals with RSV are prone to respiratory failure

Elderly individuals with RSV are prone to respiratory failure

Elderly individuals, with weakened immune systems and multiple underlying conditions, when infected with RSV virus, develop fever, cough, shortness of breath, and quickly progress to respiratory failure.

Early detection of thyroid cancer

Early detection of thyroid cancer

Mr. Hoang, 56, experienced a small lump in his neck and difficulty swallowing; this time, during a medical examination, doctors detected early-stage thyroid cancer.

Efforts to lose weight after childbirth

Efforts to lose weight after childbirth

Gaining 25 kg during pregnancy, Ms. Linh, 28, tried fasting, exercising, drinking weight loss tea, and injections after childbirth, but her weight continued to increase.

Sore throat, transient fever can be the onset of kidney disease in young people

Sore throat, transient fever can be the onset of kidney disease in young people

Many young people suffer from kidney failure due to IgA nephropathy, a disease that silently develops after episodes of sore throat or fever but can be detected early through a regular urine test costing 35,000 VND.

How to reduce sinusitis without medication

How to reduce sinusitis without medication

Nasal irrigation with saline, facial steaming with essential oils in hot water, vitamin C supplementation, and drinking warm water can alleviate sinusitis symptoms.

Stirring up a wasp nest, boy stung 35 times nearly died

Stirring up a wasp nest, boy stung 35 times nearly died

A 4-year-old boy in Gia Lai was stung 35 times by wasps, fortunately escaping critical danger after more than three weeks of dialysis and plasma exchange, while a friend in his group did not survive.