Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the health risks associated with the reuse of plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, which are commonly used for beverages and food storage. Group 1: Health Risks of Reusing Plastic Bottles - Reusing beverage and mineral water bottles may seem environmentally friendly but poses significant health risks [2] - PET plastic, commonly used for beverage bottles, is safe under specific conditions but can become unsafe if reused or stored improperly [5][6] - Changing the contents of PET bottles can lead to the release of harmful substances, especially when storing acidic liquids like vinegar [7][8] Group 2: Temperature and Aging Effects - PET is not heat-resistant and should not be used for liquids above 70°C, as high temperatures can cause deformation and release harmful substances [8] - Prolonged use of PET bottles can lead to aging, increasing the migration of harmful substances into stored food [9][10] Group 3: Types of Harmful Substances - Harmful substances that may migrate from PET bottles include antimony, a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body and cause irreversible damage to organs [11] - Other organic compounds, such as phthalates, are often added to enhance the properties of PET but can disrupt endocrine systems and increase cancer risk [12][13] Group 4: Proper Use of Plastic Products - Different types of plastics have varying safety profiles and should be used according to their specifications to minimize health risks [14][15] - Specific guidelines for various plastics, such as HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and others, indicate their temperature tolerances and suitability for food storage [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the health risks associated with the reuse of plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, which are commonly used for beverages and food storage. It emphasizes that while these bottles are designed for single use, their repeated use can lead to the migration of harmful substances into food and beverages. Group 1: Health Risks of Reusing Plastic Bottles - Reusing beverage and mineral water bottles can pose significant health risks due to the potential migration of harmful substances when they are used for different liquids or stored under inappropriate conditions [5][6][8] - The migration of harmful substances, such as antimony, can increase when bottles are used to store acidic liquids like vinegar, which can alter the pH and enhance the leaching of toxins [5][9] - High temperatures can cause PET bottles to deform and release harmful substances, making them unsafe for storing hot food or liquids [6][10] Group 2: Aging and Degradation of Plastic Bottles - PET bottles have a shelf life, and prolonged use can lead to aging, which increases the migration of harmful substances [8][10] - The accumulation of antimony, a toxic metal used in the production of PET, can lead to irreversible damage to various organs if ingested over time [9][10] Group 3: Types of Plastics and Their Safety - Different types of plastics have varying properties and safety considerations. For example, HDPE can withstand higher temperatures but still poses risks when used for food storage [14] - PVC and LDPE are commonly used in everyday items but are not recommended for high-temperature applications due to the potential release of harmful substances [15][16] - PP is noted as the safest option for food storage, being microwave-safe and suitable for hot food, but caution is advised regarding the lids used with these containers [18]