Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 17 Dec 2024
This One Thing In Your Car Can Increase Cancer Risk; Throw It Away Now!
Microplastics begin to break down under extremely hot conditions
Most people always carry a bottle of water in their car to quench their thirst whenever they want to. In the heat of the summer, it always seems like a good idea to store water in the car in case of emergency but is it safe to drink water that has been sitting in a hot car?
According to experts, microplastics, especially the BPA or bisphenol A—the chemical used in the production of certain types of plastic like plastics and epoxy resins—begin to break down under extremely hot conditions, causing many health concerns, including infertility, thyroid dysfunction and various types of cancer.
"Within one hour, the microplastic breakdown starts happening and with every sip of water that you are drinking, you are drinking 40 microplastics that get blocked in your channels and can cause endocrine disruption, hormonal health issues, infertility, and even the risk of cancer,” said Dr. Dimple Jangda, while speaking on her social media channel.
“The BPA also starts releasing into the water; this chemical leaches by almost 55 times more when it's left in a warm car. Remember, the temperature in the car can go all the way up to 70 degrees Celsius in the midafternoon, creating a more toxic environment for you,” she added.
However, the silver lining here is that now many companies do not use bottles with BPA and often label them as "BPA-free." However, if you are unsure about the bottle, you must flip it over and look for recycling codes 1 through 7 on the bottom, which indicates what the bottle is made from.
Water bottles are a breeding ground for bacteria
According to Dr. Jangda, a plastic bottle that has been opened and left in a hot car grows harmful bacteria. Studies say bacteria grow rapidly in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, also known as the "danger zone.".
"Not just that, the warm plastic is also a breeding ground for bacteria and the bacterial count can increase by almost 400 per cent every hour, and that bacteria creates a biofilm, which is not easy to clean up from your body,” she said.
Is it safe to drink water from a bottle kept in a car for long?
According to scientists, it actually depends on a few things, like if the disposable bottle is BPA-free and unopened, it may be safe to leave it in a hot car. However, once you have cracked the seal open, make sure to drink from it immediately and dispose of it.
On the other hand, a clean, reusable aluminium or glass bottle may be a safe option. “Never keep plastic bottles in your car; always carry a glass bottle or a stainless steel bottle and store water in that. Make sure to dispose of all the plastic from your car and even from your home,” said Dr. Jangda.
Ways to ensure water bottle safety in your car
Apart from avoiding BPA-containing plastic water bottles and bacteria growth, a few other important things you can follow to ensure your drinking water is safe include:
- Always carry glass or steel bottles, which are designed for high temperatures.
- Make sure your bottle is thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water.
- If you take a sip from any type of bottle, drink it within two hours.
- Always fill your bottle with filtered water.
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