Leaving your water bottle in your car is a harmless gesture, at least in appearance, because it could well reserve a bad surprise.
You have undoubtedly already found an old bottle of water lying around your car, heated by the sun. When you are thirsty, it can be tempting to drink it, but according to an article on the site News18this would be strongly advised by most specialists. Here is why.
When the heat turns your bottle into plastic
During a heat wave or high heat, our cars turn into real furnacesespecially if they are parked in full sun. Disposable plastic bottles, made of pet, release chemical substances when they heat up. According to several studies, bottles that are stored at 60 ° C release antimony. It is a compound that can be dangerous in the event of prolonged exposure. In the passenger compartment of a car, this temperature can quickly be reached in summer.
Some plastic bottles are labeled “BPA without BPA” Can also be dangerous because plastic additives, especially phthalates, can contaminate water when the container is heated. Researchers explain that these substances act as endocrine disruptors, that is to say that they disrupt hormonal balance in the long term.
Drinking a bottle of water forgotten in the car, is this really a good idea?
By swallowing the water present In these plastic bottlesthere is therefore a high risk of ingesting chemicals. A small sip will probably have no negative effect, but by repeating this gesture regularly, we are exposed to potential health problems.
Also know that when water stagnates in A hot and humid environmentit can quickly turn into bacteria nest. If your plastic bottle has already been opened, it can even contain germs like E. coli or pseudomonas. They multiply at full speed when the temperature is high. By drinking this water, we increase The risk of digestive disorders.
Safer alternatives
Health risks are therefore real and You have to be very careful. But that’s not all, because heat also tends to change the quality of the water in the bottles. Indeed, when plastic and water are in prolonged contact, an unpleasant odor and taste may appear. The drink is therefore mucheven if it remains drinkable.
Of course, nothing forces you to drink in these overheated plastic bottles. It is better to anticipate, especially in summer, when the need to drink is more frequent. Favor reusable containerslike glass or stainless steel gourdes. The latter will not release harmful substances and are very easily cleaned. Finally, remember to keep your bottles cool and sheltered from the sun. Do not hesitate to use a cooler When travelingFor example.
