On hot summer days, it’s common to carry a water bottle with you, especially when you’re out running errands in the heat. However, much like the destructive power of tsunamis, floods, storms, and droughts, a seemingly harmless water bottle left unattended in a car can also pose serious risks.
The Lurking Danger
Firefighters have discovered that water bottles left in a hot car for too long can actually start fires. Remember how you were taught, either in school or on TV, that you could ignite a piece of paper using just a magnifying glass? The same idea applies to a water bottle. A fire department team even conducted a study to see if a water bottle could cause a fire. They measured the temperature of the water inside a plastic bottle and found it reached 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
This happens because sunlight interacts with the plastic and water. The plastic acts like a magnifying glass, intensifying the heat of the liquid inside. With the bottle trapped in a hot car, there’s no way for the water to cool down, causing the liquid to heat up even more.
Take The Precautions
The simplest way to prevent a dangerous situation is to avoid leaving your plastic water bottle in the car altogether. Take it with you when you go inside the store, or leave it at home if you don’t need it. You might also consider getting a water bottle designed to prevent heat from reaching the liquid inside. Just make sure the bottle’s outer material doesn’t absorb heat, or you’ll end up with the same problem—an overheated car.
Other Threats
If the risk to your car isn’t enough, you should also consider the health dangers posed by hot plastic water bottles. A study found that when plastic bottles are exposed to the sun, they release chemicals like antimony and bisphenol A into the water. By drinking that water, you’re unknowingly consuming these harmful substances.
The longer the plastic bottle sits in the heat, the more of these chemicals are released. Consuming water contaminated with antimony and bisphenol A over time can lead to health issues like heart problems, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also increase the risk of cancer and disrupt hormone levels. Since hormones are crucial for regulating bodily functions, maintaining their balance is essential for good health. Some studies even suggest that drinking this contaminated water can cause spontaneous abortions and retinal bleeding.
So, even if you’re not concerned about your car catching fire, it’s important to take these health risks seriously. To help protect yourself and others from the dangers of hot plastic bottles, share this article with friends. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on plastic water bottles and the hidden risks they pose.
