Single-use plastic bottles – never reuse them!

It might seem that reusing a single-use plastic bottle after finishing a drink is an eco-friendly gesture, benefiting the environment. However, the latest research shows that this practice might pose significant health risks. Single-use plastic packaging has been found to emit harmful compounds that can enter our bodies through the beverages or food they contain.

Single-use plastic bottles emit microplastics

Plastic bottles have long been discussed in the context of polluting the Earth and the highly energy-intensive overproduction of plastics. The Washington Post, however, highlights another important aspect – the health risks they pose.

Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), single-use plastic bottles are designed to safely deliver water or juice to consumers. However, they are not durable enough for washing and refilling. Scientific studies show that synthetic surfaces like polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene emit microplastic particles – and the higher the temperature of the beverage or surrounding environment, the more pronounced this effect becomes. Particularly hazardous is pouring warm beverages into single-use plastic bottles or storing them in sunlight. Even washing plastic containers previously used for ice cream or meat in a dishwasher is risky – high temperatures degrade the plastic surface, facilitating leaching.

The health impact of microplastics is still an open question, requiring further in-depth research. However, along with microplastic particles, toxic compounds such as phthalates, BPA, styrene, and vinyl chloride can leach into beverages and food – the latter three are considered carcinogenic. At high temperatures, heavy metals and harmful organic compounds are also released from plastic packaging. Altogether, plastics we encounter daily may contain up to 4,200 substances hazardous to health.

Beware of black plastic

Black plastic, often used in food trays and kitchen utensils like spatulas, is particularly dangerous. For years, scientists have warned that recycled plastic from electrical products, containing flame retardants, antimony, and heavy metals, is frequently used in its production.

The desired black color is often achieved by adding carbon black, which is cheap, effective, and durable but not neutral to health. The greater concern lies in the flame retardants based on bromine, which have been detected in breast milk in recent studies.

Microplastics are unavoidable, but they can be reduced

Does this mean we should get rid of all plastic at home? Not necessarily. As toxicologist Stephanie Widmer stated in an interview with ABC News, microplastics are now everywhere – in water, soil, and air – and cannot be entirely eliminated. Experts, however, urge us to reduce the use of plastic bottles and containers wherever possible, opting for glass, ceramic, or metal alternatives, especially for warm contents.

Reusing single-use plastic bottles and food containers should absolutely be avoided. Warm takeaway food brought home in styrofoam or plastic containers should be transferred to a pot or plate as soon as possible, and under no circumstances should it be reheated in plastic. It’s also wise to avoid single-use coffee, tea, or cold drink cups, which, according to scientists, can release between 1,000 and 5,000 microplastic particles per liter of liquid!

Let’s not forget that single-use plastic bottles and other food packaging also place a significant burden on the environment, which cannot be easily or quickly mitigated. Talks conducted last week in South Korea under the auspices of the UN to reduce plastic pollution, particularly the production of single-use plastics, unfortunately ended in failure and were postponed to next year.