"High Microplastic Levels... Recycling Bottled Water? Mistakes Could Cause Cancer"

Recycling Bottled Water Increases Risk of Esophageal and Pancreatic Cancer
Heating Plastic Also Risky

A warning has been issued that reusing disposable plastic bottles commonly used for bottled water can expose people to toxic chemicals, increasing the risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancers.

On the 3rd (local time), the British Daily Mail and others explained why plastic containers should not be reused. According to the report, recent American researchers warned that reusing plastic bottles or containers can expose individuals to styrene, a toxic chemical, which may increase the risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancers. These findings are based on research conducted at Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University, and other institutions in the United States.

In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pointed out that plastics contain an average of 16,000 chemicals, of which 4,200 are classified as highly hazardous substances. The problem is that these plastic particles are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult to recognize the risks. Professor Sherri Mason of Pennsylvania State University said, "If ordinary people saw visible plastic in their water, they would be reluctant to drink it. But the biggest concern is that people do not realize the plastic is invisible." She added, "Reusing plastic can potentially affect health."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Jo Yong-jun.

The definite link between nano plastic particles and cancer has not yet been established. However, it has been found that when nanoparticles accumulate in human tissues, chemical toxicity can cause serious health problems, including cancer and developmental disorders.

Professor Mason also pointed out that the perception that bottled water in plastic bottles is cleaner than tap water may just be a marketing strategy. He said, "Many people still firmly believe bottled water is better because of marketing, but (bottled water in plastic bottles) may contain toxic substances along with the water."

Heating plastic is also dangerous because it can increase the release of nano plastics and toxic chemicals. When heated plastic warps or melts, these substances may seep into food, so caution is necessary. Accordingly, an expert emphasized the need to first check whether the product has a microwave-safe symbol on the bottom before heating plastic. The expert said, "The important thing is to carefully read the label before putting plastic containers in the microwave," and added, "If you are unsure, the best method is to transfer the contents to other containers such as glass before heating."