Experts Warn About Drinking from Plastic Water Bottles Left in Cars
As summer heats up, many people find themselves with plastic water bottles left behind in their cars. While it might be tempting to take a sip from one of these, experts advise considering the risks first.
Heat and sunlight can create ideal conditions for both chemical leaching from these bottles and the growth of bacteria, particularly if the bottles have been opened. This combination can present health risks.
Dr. Paul Savage, a toxin expert and chief medical officer at Mdlifespan in Chicago, noted that the mix of microbial growth and chemical leaching can be hazardous. Many disposable bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which can start breaking down when left in warm temperatures, leading to the release of potentially harmful substances, including trace chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
“Phenols and phthalates disrupt our hormones,” explained Nicole Deziel, an environmental epidemiologist at Yale. While the FDA considers current levels of these substances in food packaging safe, numerous have been banned or voluntarily withdrawn.
Interestingly, harmful bacteria can thrive in opened bottles that are kept in warm conditions, often introduced by our hands or the air. While not all bacteria are harmful in small amounts, warmth can enhance their growth, potentially resulting in gastrointestinal issues or infections. Savage pointed out that “bacteria can grow quite rapidly in just 48 hours, even at room temperature.”
When discussing potential dangers, there are also misconceptions about heated plastic bottles. For example, concerns about dioxins being released from plastic bottles left in hot cars have been shown to be unfounded. PET does not produce these known carcinogens.
Experts suggest switching to glass or stainless steel containers, which don’t leach chemicals when exposed to heat and are easier to clean thoroughly. Despite reusable bottles also being susceptible to bacterial growth, glass and stainless steel can endure high temperatures during cleaning, making them a safer option for hydration during hot summer days.
