Health experts are warning people not to drink from single-use plastic water bottles that have been left inside hot cars. Their concern is that high temperatures may increase the chance of contamination, including possible chemical exposure, microplastics and bacterial growth.
The issue centers on how heat can affect plastic packaging over time. When a bottle sits in a warm vehicle, especially during hotter weather, experts say the water may no longer be in the same condition as when it was first sealed and stored properly.
Bacterial contamination is also part of the concern, particularly if the bottle has already been opened or handled. A hot, enclosed car can create conditions that make the water less safe to drink than water kept in a cooler, cleaner environment.
The advice is straightforward: avoid relying on single-use plastic bottles that have been sitting in a hot car, and replace them with freshly stored water instead. Using containers designed for repeated use and keeping drinks out of excessive heat can help reduce the potential risk.
