Drinking water is essential, but it is important to note that the storage container can significantly impact your health. As summer temperatures rise, experts are warning that you should think twice before drinking water left in a hot car. This warning comes after serious concerns about the safety of drinking water from plastic bottles that have been exposed to heat, such as those left in a hot car.
So why could it be dangerous to drink water from plastic bottles left in a hot car, and how can you protect yourself?
What Happens When Plastic Bottles Heat Up?
Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, microplastics, and antimony when exposed to high temperatures. These chemical substances are usually present in disposable water bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a plastic designed for single use.
According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, when a car is parked in 80°F heat, it can reach up to 110°F in less than 30 minutes, and that temperature has the potential to trigger the leaching of chemicals from the bottle into the water.
What Are the Health Risks of Drinking Water From a Hot Bottle?
Chemicals that leach from a plastic bottle into the water include BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, microplastics, and antimony, and they cause harm to the body when consumed. Here are some of the health risks associated with these chemicals:
- BPA (bisphenol A) causes immune system dysfunction, reproductive issues, and hormone imbalances. It is also associated with metabolic disorders, childhood asthma, and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. It also increases the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
- Phthalates are associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive health issues.
- Microplastics- They are tiny fragments of plastics that cause digestive and inflammatory issues when they accumulate in the body.
- Antimony- The World Health Organization considers it a probable carcinogen that can cause cardiovascular diseases, skin irritation, and respiratory problems when consumed for long periods.
Please note that these chemicals can cause diseases and complications even when consumed in small quantities or when one is exposed for a short period.
How to Stay Safe
To avoid the above diseases and complications, it is crucial to consider safer alternatives when hydrating. Here are the options:
- Use glass bottles or stainless steel because they are more heat resistant, and they don’t contain harmful chemicals that can leach into water.
- Use BPA-free reusable bottles designed to prevent the leaching of chemicals.
- Consider drinking only tap water that meets EPA safety standards.
- Store bottled water in a cooler inside your car to limit exposure to heat.
Conclusion
Many people are unaware that leaving a plastic water bottle in your car on a hot summer day can expose you to harm. With studies and laboratory experiments showing that plastic water bottles expose you to chemical contamination, it is important to ensure that your hydration habits are safe. You can achieve this by using safer bottles, such as glass and stainless-steel bottles, to store your water, or keep your water in a cooler inside your car. Doing so will keep you safe from consuming chemical-leached water.