Don’t refill plastic water bottles?? Why?

Question

Ok, I’m sure we have all heard the warning about not refilling plastic water bottles but why? They say the chemicals will leach into your water when you refill.

But then wouldn't the water that came in the bottle in the 1st place be contaminated?

If not then how does the bottle know it’s been refilled??

Or is this just an urban legend??

Answer 1

My friend told me the same. I think it should be okay if you just wash them.  

Answer 2

I forgot what the illness is named, but it makes you sick after a while...kinda like a flu but worse.  

Answer 3

http://www.factsonplastic.com/?gclid=CNm...

No urban Legend

Answer 4

It's a well known urban myth.

Probably put out by the people who make bottled water ;)

Edit: I'd trust Snopes & John Hopkins university more than I'd trust an anti-plastics pressure group's website!

Answer 5

It has to do with how long the bottle is in use...and the emptying and refill process scours the plastic.. pulling out the plasticizers

i wouldn't worry about this much,get a new bottle at least once a day.....

Answer 6

My chemistry teacher in high school would warn us every time someone brought in a plastic water bottle. When washing the bottle it starts to break down and release chemicals that are very harmful to your body. I think if you refill it while you're out doing something and run out of water is okay, but when you're done with it for the day throw it out.

Bottled water that has been sitting/reused tastes funky anyways.

Answer 7

I think its ok as long as you wash them between uses like other dishes.

http://www.plasticsinfo.org/s_plasticsin...