Dear Editor,

MANY are unaware of the dangers of reusing plastic bottles.

We may not realise it, but we could be poisoning ourselves by reusing disposable mineral water bottles. A 12-year-old girl died from reusing the same mineral water bottle for 16 months in Dubai recently. Plastic, or polyethylene terephthalate, contains a potentially carcinogenic element called diethylhy droxylamine. Disposable bottles are safe for one-time usage only. If consumers wish to reuse mineral bottles, it is advisable not to use them for more than a few days. Plastic mineral water bottles should also be kept away from heat. Washing and rinsing bottles can cause the the carcinogens to leach into the water that you are consuming. It is better to invest in water bottles that are meant for prolonged usage. Do not put your health at risk.

Source: Malay Mail – March 14, 2008