我们在外出的时候总要携带饮用水，最常见的包装就是塑料瓶，很多人感到这种包装既卫生又方便，还可回收，利于环保。但事实上，塑料瓶如果使用不当，也是会对健康不利的，今天就来给大家介绍一下。

Whether you buy bottled water or conscientiously¹ tote some from home, you'll want to avoid swallowing chemicals along with it. Particularly for small children, whose bodies are developing, it's best to steer² clear of plastics that can release chemicals that could harm them in the long term. First, you need to check the recycling number on the bottom of your bottle and chose those safe ones.

And here are some other tips for use:

*Sniff and Taste: If there's a hint of plastic in your water, don't drink it.

*Keep bottled water away from heat, which promotes leaching³ of chemicals.

*Use bottled water quickly, as chemicals may migrate from plastic during storage. Ask retailers⁴ how long water has been on their shelves, and don't buy if it's been months.

*Do not reuse bottles intended for single use. Reused water bottles also make good breeding grounds for bacteria.

*Choose rigid⁵, reusable containers or, for hot/acidic liquids, thermoses with stainless⁶ steel or ceramic⁷ interiors.

For more info, don’t forget to see Product Reports on "bottled water" and "baby bottles."