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]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the health risks associated with the reuse of plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, which are commonly used for beverages and water. While these bottles are designed for single use, their repeated use can lead to the migration of harmful substances into food and liquids stored within them [1][4][10]. Group 1: Risks of Reusing Plastic Bottles - Reusing beverage and water bottles is not recommended due to potential health hazards [2][4]. - PET bottles are primarily designed for specific liquids like water and carbonated drinks; using them for other substances can increase the risk of harmful substance migration [5][7]. - High temperatures can cause PET bottles to deform and release harmful substances, especially when used to store hot food or placed near heat sources [8][9]. Group 2: Harmful Substances and Their Effects - The harmful substances that may migrate from PET bottles include antimony, a metal catalyst used in production, which can cause damage to various organs if accumulated in the body over time [12][13]. - Other organic compounds, such as plasticizers added to enhance PET's properties, can disrupt endocrine systems and increase cancer risk [14]. Group 3: Proper Use of Plastic Products - The article categorizes different types of plastics and their appropriate uses, highlighting that not all plastics are suitable for food storage, especially under high temperatures [16][18][21]. - Specific recommendations are made for using PP (polypropylene) containers for hot food, while caution is advised for other types like HDPE, PVC, and PS [16][17][22].