Why You Should Never Drink Water from a Warm Plastic Bottle (2024)

We all know the importance of staying hydrated. Whether you’re an athlete or live a more sedentary lifestyle, adequate hydration is crucial. As a rule of thumb, you should always drink approximately half your body weight in ounces daily. If you’re currently hitting that goal in terms of your water intake, you may think that you have nothing else to worry about. Think again. Even if you’re staying adequately hydrated, the vessel in which you drink your water is critical. While a disposable plastic water bottle may be convenient, it’s terrible for your wallet, your health, and the environment. Worse than that? Drinking your water from a warm plastic water bottle.

Today, Office H2O will be exploring why you should never drink water from a warm plastic bottle. While drinking from a single warm plastic bottle won’t necessarily hurt you, experts are now saying that persistently doing so may lead to more of a problem than you bargained for. So why should you avoid drinking from a warm plastic bottle? Let’s find out.

The Dangers of Drinking from a Warm Plastic Bottle

According to a recent article from National Geographic, you may want to think twice before reaching for a warm plastic bottle to quench your thirst this summer. In the article, Rolf Halden, director of the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, warns against this, saying, “The hotter it gets, the more the stuff in plastic can move into food or drinking water.”

Plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate. Whenever a bottle is heated, the material releases the chemicals bisphenol and antimony, also known as BPA. There have been studies to suggest that this chemical can cause adverse health effects in children. Additionally, antimony is considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.

Recently, a research team led by University of Florida soil and water science professor Lena Ma studied the chemicals released in 16 different water brands after being kept at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for four weeks. The team’s findings uncovered a “worst-case scenario” for human consumption. The study found that as the bottles warmed over the four weeks, antimony and BPA levels increased. Because of this, Ma warned against leaving bottled water in a hot garage for weeks on end or in your car all day during hot summer days.

How Do BPA and Antimony Affect the Human Body?

Both BPA and antimony have been linked to a variety of health issues. BPA, for one, has been linked to causing reproductive, immunity, and neurological problems. Additionally, BPA has impacted the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, metabolic disease, childhood asthma, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Research also suggests that BPA can negatively affect children’s behavior.

What about antimony? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), everyone is exposed to low levels of antimony in the environment. Short-term exposure by inhalation results in effects on the eyes and skin. On the other hand, chronic exposure has been linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive effects. Additionally, while antimony is not classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, exposure via inhalation has been linked to the growth of lung tumors in rats.

How Likely Are Negative Health Effects from Drinking from a Warm Plastic Bottle?

So how worried should you be about drinking from a warm plastic bottle? Put simply, it widely depends on how often you’re doing so. Ultimately, based on these results, the amount of trace chemicals that a person might consume from a plastic bottle left in the heat isn’t likely to cause serious health issues. That being said, experts warn against doing so consistently.

According to Halden, “If you drink water from one PET bottle, will that hurt your health? Probably not. But if you go through 20 bottles a day, then the question of safety is an entirely different one.”

The cumulative effect of being surrounded by plastics or microplastics in our water has the most significant potential impact on our health. For this reason, Halden (among many other experts) recommends opting for a metal water bottle rather than a disposable or reusable plastic water bottle for staying hydrated on the go – especially in the summer when plastics are exposed to heat. Additionally, although not part of her original study, Ma supports tap water (regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency) over bottled water.

Eliminate the Dangers of Drinking from a Plastic Bottle with Office H2O!

As the research highlighted in this article shows, we should avoid drinking from warm plastic bottles whenever possible. Additionally, because of plastic’s impact on the environment (and your wallet), it has become increasingly clear that avoiding disposable plastic water bottles in general is the best practice. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to eliminate plastic water bottles from your life by purchasing a bottleless water system from Office H2O.

At Office H2O, we believe in convenient access to clean drinking water while eliminating the need for plastic. Our bottleless water systems are part of a plan to eliminate plastic water bottles, along with all their problems, through the latest water filtration and purification technologies. If you’re interested in purchasing your very own system, feel free to browse our selection. Contact us with any questions or concerns – we’ll be happy to help!

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Why You Should Never Drink Water from a Warm Plastic Bottle (2024)

FAQs

Why You Should Never Drink Water from a Warm Plastic Bottle? ›

Most of the billions of plastic water bottles used in the US are made out of polyethylene terephthalate. When this material is heated (like in the cup holder of your hot car), it can release chemicals antimony and bisphenol A, which is commonly known as BPA.

Is drinking hot water from plastic bottles bad for you? ›

The Dangers of Drinking from a Warm Plastic Bottle

Whenever a bottle is heated, the material releases the chemicals bisphenol and antimony, also known as BPA. There have been studies to suggest that this chemical can cause adverse health effects in children.

How bad is it to drink water from plastic bottles? ›

Tiny plastic bits — numbering nearly a quarter-million per quart — can pass into blood, organs, and even the brain. Drinking water from disposable plastic bottles may be passing hundreds of thousands of potentially harmful tiny plastic particles into our bodies, a new study finds.

Is it safe to drink water from plastic bottles left in a hot car? ›

Drinking water from a bottle that has been sitting in a hot car may be harmful to your health. If the bottle contains BPA or has been opened, it's best to avoid it. Opting for an insulated reusable water bottle is your best bet. Make sure to clean your bottle between uses.

What temperature is bad for bottled water? ›

However, at 158°F — mimicking the extreme heat inside of a car on a typical summer day — antimony concentrations increased by 319-fold when compared to the levels of the bottled water at the refrigerator temperature. The levels of BPA also indicated a rise at this temperature but not considerably high concentrations.

What happens if you drink water that's too hot? ›

Drinking water that's too hot can damage the tissue in your esophagus, burn your taste buds, and scald your tongue. Be very careful when drinking hot water. Drinking cool, not hot, water is best for rehydration . Generally, though, drinking hot water has no harmful effects and is safe to use as a remedy.

Is it okay to drink water from a hot water bottle? ›

ARE HOT WATER BOTTLES SAFE TO USE? Yes, providing they are used and cared for responsibly. All our hot water bottles are manufactured to British Safety Standard BS197 and certain brands offer an additional 1 or 2 year guarantee. Before use, check your hot water bottle ensuring the stopper screws on and stays in place.

Why not to drink hot bottled water? ›

Some researchers who study plastics recommend against drinking water from plastic bottles that have been sitting in hot places for a long time — such as a car sizzling in the sun — concerned that the heat could help chemicals from the plastic leach into the water.

At what temperature does plastic release toxins? ›

Plastic water bottles can release toxins into water, especially at higher temperatures above 140°F (60°C), but bottled water companies follow safety standards to minimize risks. Storing water in cooler conditions reduces the possibility of chemicals leaching from the bottle.

What is the safest bottled water to drink? ›

Here is our list of the 10 healthiest Bottled Water Brands in 2023:
  • Evian. Source: French Alps. Carbonation: Sparkling. ...
  • Fiji. Source: Artesian. Carbonation: Still. ...
  • Liquid Death. Source: Mountain Water. Carbonation: Sparkling and Still. ...
  • Acqua Panna. Source: Apennines Mountains. Carbonation: Still. ...
  • Waiakea. Source: Keau Aquifer.
Jul 5, 2023

How long can water sit in a plastic bottle? ›

Drinking water that is thoroughly disinfected can be stored indefinitely in capped plastic or glass containers that water will not rust, as metal containers may. Because the disinfectant that was in the water when you stored it will slowly go away, replacing the water every six months is recommended.

What is the safest plastic water bottles? ›

Polypropylene (PP) – This plastic is considered to be the safest of all plastics and is the most recommended material for food and beverages. Polypropylene plastics are BPA-free and heat-resistant, therefore they are unlikely to release toxins and harmful chemicals when exposed to hot food or drinks.

Is it OK to drink hot water from plastic bottles? ›

Because the plastic bottle contains chemical polyethylene, it will be released when it is in contact with hot water for a long time. If people drink it, there will be health risks. Secondly, the plastic water cup itself is easy to hide dirt. Most people drink water and simply rush, and there is no deep cleaning cup.

Why you should never leave a water bottle in a hot car? ›

When exposed to heat, the chemical bonds in plastic can break and cause BPA and other chemicals to migrate into the water. Beyond that, hot cars provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, potentially contaminating the water in opened bottles and causing illness if consumed.

Are Fiji water plastic bottles safe? ›

FIJI Water's 700mL, 1L, and 1.5L bottles are made from high-grade PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, which is designated with the #1 code at the bottom of the bottle. The FDA approves rPET and PET as safe for contact with food and beverages.

What is the healthiest temperature water to drink? ›

The best temperature range for water to be absorbed and rehydrate effectively is between 10-22 degrees Celsius (50 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit). While people have different preferences for water temperature, room temperature or slightly cool water is considered ideal for consumption.

Is it okay to drink bottled water left overnight? ›

There is no harm in drinking water left overnight if it is stored properly. Always cover the water kept in a glass or open container. Never put your mouth to the bottle and if you have, finish the entire bottle in one go. Do not leave the water bottle in your car.

What are the long-term effects of drinking bottled water? ›

Why is bottled water bad for you? Because over time, the chemicals in plastic bottles leach into the water. Once in your bloodstream, these dangerous toxins have been linked to numerous health conditions such as liver and kidney damage and breast and uterine cancer.

Should you drink water first thing in the morning? ›

First thing in the morning is one of the best times to hydrate. Your body has gone through a long fast. For a simple jump start, squirt half a lemon in your first glass of a.m. water for a bright boost of antioxidant phytonutrients, vitamin C, and potassium.

Why do Chinese drink hot water? ›

Drinking hot water in China is a time honoured tradition, developed nearly 2500 years ago during the Zhou dynasty (around 400-300 BC). In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that Hot Water, ironically, contained 陰 “Yīn” (Yin), which represent coolness or shade which was necessary to counteract 陽 “Yáng” (Yang).

Why shouldn't you drink from plastic bottles? ›

As disposable bottles are used repeatedly, an increased amount of chemicals and toxins seep out from the plastic into the water. This process can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances such as di (2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in your bloodstream, potentially resulting in severe health issues.

How long is water safe in plastic bottles? ›

Frequently Asked Questions. How long can you keep bottled water? According to the US Food and Drug Administration, bottled drinking water doesn't require an expiration date. We recommend to use the standard best practices and to consume the bottled water within 2 years from the date of manufactured.

Is it bad to drink water from a plastic bottle that has been in the sun? ›

Although increased migration of chemicals from plastic bottles does not necessarilypose health risk, it could change the organoleptic properties such as taste, colour and odour of water they contain. Therefore, it is better not to expose PET-bottled water to sunlight directly.

Is it OK to sleep with a hot water bottle? ›

A hot water bottle can be a great way to heat up the bed before a cosy night's sleep but it can be extremely dangerous to nod off with it by your side. Over time the material can start to degrade making it less protective meaning burns and injuries are more likely.

Is it better to drink hot water in glass or plastic? ›

The healthiest material for holding hot water depends on factors like safety, durability, and potential leaching of chemicals. While glass and stainless steel are generally considered safe, plastic may release harmful substances at high temperatures.

Is it bad for plastic water bottles to get hot? ›

Leaving plastic water bottles in your car might not seem like a big deal; heat's effect on plastic can change your perspective. When exposed to heat, the chemical bonds in plastic can break and cause BPA and other chemicals to migrate into the water.

Is it safe to drink hot liquids from plastic cups? ›

Plastic cups are generally not designed to withstand high temperatures, and when filled with hot drinks, they can begin to break down, leading to the release of toxins into the liquid. This poses a potential health risk to consumers, especially when they use the same cup repeatedly.

What does hot water bottle do to your body? ›

The warmth from the hot water bottle helps your body to relax by stimulating blood flow and improving circulation, leading to better oxygen supply throughout your body.

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