What Are the Dangers of Reusing Water Bottles Without Washing?

Reusing plastic water bottles without washing can result in several adverse health effects. Should you decide to reuse plastic bottles, the New Zealand Food and Safety Authority recommends completely drying your hands before refilling a plastic water bottle to avoid the spread of bacteria and germs, using quality water from a reliable source, refraining from sharing bottle,s and cleaning the bottles and nozzles with hot, soapy water after use. NZFSA also notes that plastic water bottles are designed to be recycled rather than reused.

Bacteria

• Without proper cleaning and handling, bacteria can grow in plastic water bottles that are reused. Water can smell "old" from the growth of bacteria, according to Columbia University's health promotion program, ALICE. This can be minimized by avoiding sharing plastic water bottles with others to curb the spread of bacteria and disease. Washing the bottles may decrease the amount of bacteria present; however, it poses new concerns, according to the New Zealand Food and Safety Authority, as the heat from the water can cause the plastics in the material to break down and leech into the water. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one chemical used in plastic production that can leech into water, which can possibly disrupt the endocrine system, which controls hormones. Bacteria can also grow in damp or partially filled bottles that are later reused. Such bacteria generally comes from your hands and mouth, the air or "anything that comes in contact with the mouth of the bottle," according to NZFSA.

Fungi

• According to the New Zealand Food and Safety Authority, fungi, as well as bacteria, can thrive in damp or partially filled plastic bottles. Fungus, like bacteria, comes from the air, the hands and mouth, and other items that come in contact with the bottle mouth. Without regular washing with dish soap and water, fungi will thrive. Sanitize bottles with fungus growth or bacterial slime with a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a liter of water, or recycle the bottle.

Infection

• Columbia University's ALICE health program states that the reuse of plastic water bottles without sanitizing can lead to the risk of infection. If you have a cold sore, cold or other infection/illness, such viruses can end up on the mouth of your water bottle. This can result in re-infection or infection of diseases such as meningococcal disease of those you share your water bottle with, according to NZFSA. The same thing can happen if you use the water bottle of someone with a cold sore or other infection.