Topic: How long stuff lasts

[Clive]

At last!! This is what we want!!   8)

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/print/0,22304,676079,00.html

[Simon]

● Bleach

3 to 6 months

Funny, I'd never thought of bleach going off.   :shock:

[Lona]

I only found out the other day that you shouldn't use empty plastic bottles for re-use.  

[chorleydave]

Bl0ody hell.  Thanks for that, Clive.  After that I've nothing at all left in my cupboards.  :wink:

[sam]

I only found out the other day that you shouldn't use empty plastic bottles for re-use.  

why not? there is no physical or chemical reason why you shouldnt (unless it is a bleach one! :-) )

As for bleach going off thats bull! It might become less potent as the molecules disassociate but it wont stop working or become anymore dangerous

[Lona]

I only found out the other day that you shouldn't use empty plastic bottles for re-use.  

why not? there is no physical or chemical reason why you shouldnt (unless it is a bleach one! :-) )

As for bleach going off thats bull! It might become less potent as the molecules disassociate but it wont stop working or become anymore dangerous

Some organizations (including the IBWA) do recommend that plastic water bottles be used only once before recycling, but not because re-use is likely to cause carcinogenic compounds to leach from the plastic bottles into the liquids they hold. The concern is that people (particularly children) can too easily spread and ingest bacteria from their hands and mouths by re-using bottles without properly washing them or allowing them sufficient time to dry.

[sam]

well plastic bottles contain carcinogenic compounds? Well maybe when burnt.

Oh as for the bacteria I see what you mean but end of the day as long as you are sensible I doubt you will have a problem.

[Lona]

well plastic bottles contain carcinogenic compounds? Well maybe when burnt.

Oh as for the bacteria I see what you mean but end of the day as long as you are sensible I doubt you will have a problem.

In a nutshell, the plastic (called polyethylene terephthalate or PET)used in these bottles contains a potentially carcinogenic element(something called diethylhydroxylamine or DEHA). The bottles are safe for one use only; if you must keep them longer, it should be or no more than a few days, a week max, and keep them away from heat as well.

Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down and the carcinogens can leach into the water that YOU are drinking.

Better to invest in water bottles that are really meant for multiple uses.

This is not something we should be scrimping on. Take care.

I'm not taking any chances anyway, Sam.  I threw all my plastic bottles out and bought the ones that are meant for re-use.

[Sandra]

I wonder how those campers like our own Chorleydave go on with the big 5 gallon plastic water containers  :?

[sam]

Lona,

This is not true. It is scarelore - an urban legend!!!

If this was the case then do you really think that the companies could make the stuff or get it passed as suitable for use. No they couldnt. I have also studied the production of plastics and this has never come up.

Take a look at: TrendMicro

(did you get this from an email or from other forum?

[sam]

further:

According to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), "DEHA, as mentioned in the email is neither regulated nor classified as a human carcinogen. Further, DEHA is not inherent in PET plastic as raw material, byproduct or decomposition product. DEHA has been cleared by FDA for food contact applications and would not pose a health risk even if present."

So I guess the only reason to not trust bottles is the bacterial one, but if you wash them well enough you will be fine. Oh and if anyone is interested in the chemistry of DEHA see: DEHA

[Lona]

Lona,

This is not true. It is scarelore - an urban legend!!!

If this was the case then do you really think that the companies could make the stuff or get it passed as suitable for use. No they couldnt. I have also studied the production of plastics and this has never come up.

Take a look at: TrendMicro

(did you get this from an email or from other forum?

I learned it from my son,who was given a proper re-usable one from his employer and told not to use old water bottles.  

I can accept what you are saying, Sam, but then they said in the 60's that cigarettes didn't cause Cancer.  :roll:  :roll:  :roll:

[sam]

'they' then being the cigarette companies! things are much different now though and you couldnt get anything passed that was going to cause cancer. imagine the lawsuits in america!! :-)

I think this is just one of those emails that people read and tell others about. It is sensible really but I can't think of any physical reason why this would occur and well some of the big boys agree :-)

still though if  you dont feel able to use it I wouldnt but well i dont see why not personally.