After sipping water, many of us tend to leave plastic water bottles inside our cars. But this common practice can wreak havoc on your health and is “risky,” say experts.
Plastic bottles left in a hot car can potentially harm one’s health because of chemical leaching, especially when the plastic is subjected to high temperatures.
Health risks
“Leaving plastic water bottles inside cars under the scorching sun is a common habit and can be risky. When plastic bottles are exposed to high temperatures, mainly inside closed vehicles, they may carry harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Antimony into the water. These substances lead to hormonal imbalance and raise the risk of cancer over prolonged exposure,” said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.
The majority of plastic bottles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, under heat stress, will leach dangerous chemicals such as antimony and bisphenol A (BPA) into the water,” added Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Even at low doses, repeated exposures may underlie long-term health effects, asserted Dr Ugalmugle. “BPA is one example, an endocrine disruptor with the potential to compromise hormone function, potentially affecting metabolism and cardiovascular status and enhancing the risk of insulin resistance. Antimony, a metalloid, has been implicated in some research as causing gastrointestinal irritation as well as even organ toxicity with long-term exposure,” said Dr Ugalmugle.
Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Moreover, heating can also release microplastics, which may enter the body and accumulate in organs, causing inflammation or other long-term issues, said Dr Agarwal.
What to note?
It’s important to remember that most plastic bottles are meant for single use and are not designed to withstand repeated heat exposure.
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“Hence, avoid drinking water from bottles left in hot environments for your health and safety. Replace those plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass bottles, which are safer alternatives and better for the environment and your health. Try to carry a bottle from your home to avoid drinking water from plastic bottles. Be mindful and avoid plastic usage,” said Dr Agarwal.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
 and Antimony into the water. Dr. Manjusha Agarwal and Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle explain that high temperatures, especially inside closed vehicles, can cause these substances to contaminate the water, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of cancer with prolonged exposure. PET, the common plastic in water bottles, is susceptible to this leaching under heat stress. Repeated exposure, even to low doses, can have long-term health effects, with BPA acting as an endocrine disruptor and Antimony linked to gastrointestinal irritation and organ toxicity. Additionally, heat can cause the release of microplastics. Experts advise against drinking water from bottles left in hot environments and recommend using safer alternatives like stainless steel or glass bottles, emphasizing that most plastic bottles are designed for single use and cannot withstand repeated heat exposure.){kind=link}