5 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Can you say "CANCER" and "IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDER"? Neither of these will occur tomorrow because you reused a plastic bottle or plastic bag today. However, repeated reuse of these innocuous looking items will result in you and your loved ones consuming petrochemicals; plastic is made from petroleum! Repeated use of the same plastic item WILL result in the release of those petrochemicals into the food and beverage that is stored in them. Petrochemicals are KNOWN carcinogens and have been implicated as a possible cause of lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and other immune system disorders.

Boxes of plastic bags are clearly marked "Not recommended for use in a microwave or for storage of liquids." The reason for this is simple; heat and/or contact with liquids will release petrochemicals from the plastic and they WILL contaminate the food kept inside. Plus, you cannot kill the germs and bacteria in a used bag without using heat and/or liquid. So, you either have a "dirty" bag to reuse or one that has already started to release petrochemicals. Either throw the used bag away OR use a "reusable container" for your food in the first place.

Plastic bottles - yes, plastic can be made safe for foods and beverages. But the plastic bottles that water, juice, soft drinks, etc are bottled in, are ONLY safe for ONE use. An easy way to tell is check the recycling code on the bottom in the triangle - if the number is "1" it is only safe for ONE use. Prolonged use, cleaning, even squeezing these bottles, starts the release of chemicals into the food or beverage. These chemicals include known carcinogens.

In an attempt to save a few pennies you are putting yourself and your family at risk of cancer. It is NOT worth it!

If you want to save money this way, invest a couple of dollars and BUY plastic bottles at your local store. They will have a recycling code of 5 or higher on the bottom inside the triangle. They do not cost much and you can safely use them forever or until they spring a leak.

I caught a friend of mine reusing a plastic bottle with a "1" code. I read her the "riot act". I also went down to the local WalMart and bought a SAFE bottle for her to use - the cost was $.96 - and gave it to her. She does use it now. (She also recently had an operation for colon cancer - caused by her practice of reusing the wrong bottles for several decades - we'll never know for sure.)

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The health dangers of reusing plastic bottles and bags?
We want to hear your view. Write now!