Remember BPA? The plastic boogeyman of the 2000s? Most single-use bottles are now BPA-free. But they often use BPS—an almost identical chemical.
Here’s the quirky twist: BPS might be more stable and less likely to leach. But some studies say it still messes with hormones a tiny bit. Confused yet? You should be. Science is messy.
The good news? The amount you’d get from one refill is negligible. The bad news? No one has done a 10-year study on your specific bottle brand. So, don’t panic, but maybe don’t make it a lifelong habit.
Wait, is the plastic itself getting old?
Yes. Plastic gets tired. Every squeeze, every wash, every change in temperature creates micro-cracks.
These cracks are tiny highways for bacteria. They are also where chemicals can hide. A beaten-up bottle with scratches? That’s a free-for-all for microbial squatters.
Look at the bottom of your bottle. See that number inside the triangle? Number 1 (PET) is most single-use. It’s meant for one ride, not a long-term relationship.
