Reusing plastic bottles of cold drinks and juices has become a common routine in students. However it is not a healthy practice. Drinks marketed in plastic bottles are only risk free for the first time use. These bottles are usually made up of plastic-1 type that releases a chemical compound bisphenol which can alter hormone production, DHEP, a human carcinogen reported for uterine cancer, if used prolonged. It has also been reported to decrease testosterone levels. These plastics absorb odour and flavour of the fluid they were originally filled with. The shape of these plastic bottles also makes it impossible to be washed out properly.
However some plastic types, like type 2, 4, 5 and stainless steel bottles are safe for human health. No plastic quality is mentioned over any of these plastic bottles and no such warning is mentioned on bottles of these beverages. Also antimony, a toxic chemical, has also been reported to be found in the water in minute quantities and according to some researches this quantity is also hazardous. The manufacturers of these plastic bottles should mention the plastic quality they use and print other important information required for healthy lifestyle on the on the bottles.
ARIBA HABIB
Karachi
