If you’re tempted to reuse that water or drink bottle – don’t...

Some everyday items can be really bad for our health...

Claudia Cornwall from Best You Magazine has a few we should be avoiding:

• Clamshell takeout food containers – if they are the Styrofoam type, they contain polystyrene which can leach into our food.

• Non-stick cookware, when overheated, may give off carcinogenic fumes. When cooking with non-stick, be sure not to let an empty pan smolder on a hot burner.

• Worn and pitted pots and pans contain aluminum which can be absorbed by the food we cook, especially leafy vegetables and acidic food like tomatoes.

• Reusable sports water bottles could contain bisphenol A, a suspected hormone disrupter. They are usually labeled with #7 in the recycling symbol. Don’t put plastics labeled #3, #6 or #7 into the microwave or dishwasher.

• Reusing water and soft-drink bottles is not a good idea either. They are intended for single use only and are prone to picking up bacteria after that.

• Plastic toys labeled #3 can contain PVC which could damage the liver, kidneys and reproductive systems of animals - and interfere with children’s growth and development. Don’t let children or pets suck or chew on #3 toys.