Hidden Dangers in Our Drinking Bottles
By: Dr Aftab jan
In today’s fast-moving world, we have developed a deep attachment to convenience. It’s normal to see people carrying water in plastic bottles everywhere—schools, offices, gyms, streets, buses, and even inside mosques.
The plastic bottle has become so common that we hardly stop to think about what it might be doing to our bodies. It is cheap, light, and easy to carry, which is why many of us reach for it without a second thought. But hidden inside this convenience is a silent danger that could be harming our health every single day, in ways we cannot immediately feel or see.
Water is one of the most precious gifts from Allah. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “And We made from water every living thing” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30). Water is life, and life cannot continue without it. But what happens when the very vessel that holds our life-giving water becomes a source of slow, silent harm? This is not just a matter of science or medicine—it is a matter of how we honour the blessings of Allah and take care of the body He has entrusted to us.
In the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, people drank water from natural materials—clay pots, metal vessels, leather skins—things that did not leach harmful chemicals into the drink.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to drink in moderation, in three sips, and to always check the drink before putting it to our lips. He never encouraged using materials that would bring harm to health. Today, however, most of us have replaced these natural containers with plastic bottles. They are everywhere, and they are often reused many times without considering the risks.
Science has now shown that many plastics release harmful substances into the liquids they hold, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, or long storage. Chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are used to make plastics strong and flexible, but they can act like hormones in the body, disturbing natural processes.
They can affect fertility in both men and women, slow down growth in children, change metabolism, cause mood swings, and increase risks of serious diseases like cancer and heart problems. And these effects do not happen overnight—they build up slowly, silently, over years of repeated exposure.
Many people think that because water in plastic bottles looks and tastes normal, it must be safe. But taste is not a reliable sign of safety. Most dangerous substances in water have no taste or smell. The problem becomes worse when bottles are left in hot cars, stored in direct sunlight, or used repeatedly after they are scratched inside. These scratches can harbour bacteria, which multiply and enter the water we drink.
Islam teaches us to protect our health. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your body has a right over you.” In another verse, Allah warns: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction by your own hands” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195). Choosing bottles that release harmful chemicals when safer alternatives exist is not just a bad health choice—it is against the principle of preserving life and well-being.
When looking for alternatives, many people turn to glass bottles, thinking they are completely safe. Glass does not leach chemicals like plastic, and it keeps the taste pure. Stainless steel bottles are even better—they are durable, safe, and do not interact with the drink inside. Some modern plastics, like BPA-free Tritan or PETG, are designed to be safer, though they still require careful handling—keeping them away from heat and replacing them if damaged.
However, a recent study from France’s food safety agency, ANSES, surprised many people. They found that drinks in glass bottles—especially sodas, beer, iced tea, and lemonade—can contain up to 100 microplastic particles per litre, which is up to 50 times more than in plastic bottles or cans.
This was not because of the glass itself, but because of the painted metal caps used to seal the bottles. Tiny scratches and wear on the caps during storage caused paint particles to drop into the drink. Even water in glass bottles was found to contain more microplastics than in plastic bottles—4.5 microplastic particles per litre compared to 1.6 in plastic. Wine was an exception because cork seals greatly reduced contamination.
The ANSES research also found that simply cleaning the caps—blowing them with air, rinsing with water, and wiping with alcohol—could reduce microplastic contamination by about 60%. The glass industry confirmed that the problem came from the caps, not the glass, and promised to improve manufacturing and handling. This is a reminder that even things we assume are “pure” can have hidden issues. As Muslims, this should strengthen our habit of being careful, checking what we consume, and not blindly trusting labels or appearances.
Microplastics are a growing global health concern. They are tiny fragments—smaller than a grain of sand—that come from the breakdown of plastics. They are now found in rivers, oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe. Studies have found microplastics in human blood, lungs, and even brain tissue.
Early research links them to inflammation, hormone disruption, fertility problems, immune system weakening, DNA damage, respiratory issues, heart disease, and certain cancers. The exact safe level of exposure is not yet known, but the evidence suggests that the less we consume, the better.
This is not just about personal health—it is also about environmental responsibility. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:56). Every time we buy a plastic bottle and throw it away, we contribute to pollution that can last hundreds of years. Plastic waste breaks down into microplastics that end up in fish, birds, and eventually our own food chain. This is a form of corruption on Earth, and avoiding it is part of our duty as caretakers of creation.
Sadly, our modern generation often chooses style over safety. Many young people buy fashionable plastic bottles with colourful designs, unaware of the chemicals inside. Some leave their bottles in hot cars or on sunny windowsills for hours, then drink from them as if nothing happened. Others reuse disposable bottles for weeks until they are scratched and cloudy. In doing so, they are slowly poisoning themselves without realising it. This carelessness reflects a deeper problem in society—valuing convenience and image more than true well-being.
The solution is within our reach. We can choose safe, reusable bottles. Stainless steel is the best long-term choice—durable, easy to clean, and free from harmful chemicals. Glass bottles are good too, as long as we avoid painted metal caps or replace them with safer seals. If we must use plastic, then we should pick BPA-free options, avoid exposing them to heat, and replace them when they show signs of wear.
Parents should teach children about these choices early. Schools, workplaces, and mosques can encourage safe water habits—placing water filters, providing safe refill stations, and discouraging single-use plastics. Every small step adds up. If we form these habits now, we can protect our health, reduce waste, and set an example for the next generation.
This is not just about avoiding disease. It is about gratitude to Allah for the blessing of clean water and a healthy body. On the Day of Judgment, we will be asked how we used these blessings. Did we protect them, or did we neglect them for the sake of ease? Every sip of water we take is an opportunity to choose purity—purity in the physical sense, and purity in the moral sense. When we take care of what Allah has given us, we live in harmony with His creation, protect ourselves, and ensure a better world for those who come after us.
Our choices matter. Whether it’s avoiding harmful plastics, checking the safety of glass bottles, or simply storing water correctly, each decision is a small act of worship when done with the right intention. Protecting our health is part of protecting our faith. Let us not let convenience make us careless. Let us drink wisely, live responsibly, and honour the trust that Allah has placed in us.
