Recycling your water glass can have serious consequences (2024)

The situation:You have a glass of water in the bathroom, at your desk and on your bedside table, that isyou drink a lot of H20(high-five for hydration and props for passing the plastic!). But with all the focus on getting the recommended 8 cups a day, some of these glasses have been left unwashed for days - you just keep dumping and refilling them.

What you are concerned about:“Microorganisms need a moist environment to survive, right? So not only did I create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, microbes, parasites, and who knows what, I started ingesting them, and apparently I set myself up for a number of terrible diseases."

The worst that can happen:It's true that bacteria and other potentially dangerous microorganisms (think viruses and intestinal parasites) grow very well in moist environments. So yes, the unwashed glass is onepetri dishof opportunities. Every time you take a sip, you transfer the microbes in your mouth to the glass.

“If you are sick and put a nasty bug in that glass and it doesn't dry properly before using it again, there may be enough time for that bug to multiply enough to cause your illness again,” says Aaron Margolin. PhD, professor of microbiology at the University of New Hampshire.

merely: What is better: bottled water or tap water?

The source of the water you drink can also make a difference: unlike tap water, bottled and spring water do not automaticallywith added chlorineto help stop the growth of bacteria. And if it's a shared cup, pay attention! All those bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites going back and forth could mean stomach ulcers (courtesy of Helicobacter pylori bacteria) or projectile vomiting and explosive diarrhea (courtesy of norovirus).

“The more people use the same cup, the more likely one of those people is carrying bacteria that could make you sick,” Margolin warns.

What will probably happen:A lot of nothing, especially if you're the only one using the glass. 'It's important to mention itbacteria- the organisms that make you sick - don't just appear out of nowhere; they have to be introduced by someone or something,” says Margolin. The fact that it's a glass and not a plastic cup means it won't break down over time, leaving nooks and crannies where bacteria can build up. Additionally, glass is more likely to dry out completely, and drying, also called dehydrating, is an excellent way to stop bacteria growth, Margolin adds. Additionally, when you top up tap water, most treatment plants use chlorine to remove dangerous contaminants that taint both the water and your saliva.

Briefly:“If you limit the use of the cup to one person, and you make sure the water is clean, then you won't get sick if you use the same cup over and over again,” says Margolin.