What Are the Dangers of Recycled Plastic Bottles?

Americans purchase more bottled water than any other country in the world, drinking approximately 29 billion bottles a year, according to NationalGeographic.com. This does not include other products bottled in plastic as well. Recyclable plastic bottles have a negative effect on the environment and could pose some serious health risks to consumers. Consider the various ways recycled bottles could have a negative impact on the life and health of your family.

Health

• MedicineNet.com reports that a synthetic chemical used to manufacture plastic bottles called bisphenol A, or BPA, may be a serious health risk to consumers. The Department of Health and Human Services is conducting new studies in both animals and humans to better evaluate the effects of BPA exposure. Some plastic bottles have been voluntarily pulled off of shelves by their manufacturers due to various reports indicating BPA may cause genetic damage or breast and uterine cancer. Until testing is completed and results are analyzed, the Food and Drug Administration is supporting recommendations to stop manufacturing infant feeding products produced using BPA chemicals. New products are being used to create plastic bottles, so when choosing a recyclable bottle, use a bottle that is marked BPA-free.

Environmental Effects

• Consider that 17 million barrels of crude oil are needed to make the billions of bottles we use in a year, and that does not include the gallons of gasoline used by trains and large trucks to transport the bottles to market. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, emissions from diesel engines are a major source of air pollution and can have serious adverse effects on your respiratory health. If you purchase recyclable plastic bottles, the amount of oil needed to produce just one bottle, equals one-quarter of the bottle's volume. Additionally, the artificial chemicals and fossil fuels used to produce plastic bottles release toxic carcinogens when burned or incinerated, further adding to air pollutants in the atmosphere.

Alternatives

• Although many bottles are recycled every year, millions of bottles are dumped into landfills. If you must use a plastic bottle, make sure you actually recycle the plastic bottles, allowing the containers to be turned into new products such as carpeting or fleece. Recycling one plastic bottle conserves enough energy to power a 60 watt light bulb for nearly six hours, and products made from recycled plastic require two-thirds less energy to manufacture, reducing carbon emissions and toxic pollutants. Carry a refillable steel thermos or buy a new BPA-free, reusable bottle in your favorite color. Lined aluminum bottles and stainless steel bottles are also a safe choice, and can be recycled after you are done using them. You will save money, avoid potentially dangerous chemicals and help the environment as well.