What Are the Dangers of Bottled Water in Your Car?

When you're driving a long distance, it is always convenient to have a bottled drink in your car. However, you should be aware of the potential dangers of leaving bottled water in your car.

Concerns

• There is a theory that chemicals from a plastic bottle may seep into the water. Water bottles, when left unattended over a period of time in a car, may degrade, allowing the water to absorb the plastic's chemicals. This process occurs most often as a result of heat exposure to the bottle. The heat weakens the chemical bonds of the plastic, allowing the chemicals to enter the water.

Considerations

• Plastic bottles contain two chemicals, bisphenol A and orthophthalates. Both of these chemicals are linked to adverse health effects. Bisphenol A has been linked to increased rates of reproductive problems and breast cancer. Orthophthalates are a general chemical group that directly affects endocrine cells throughout the body. Although in small doses these chemicals are safe, they are heavily found in many plastic bottles for water.

Time Frame

• The longer water has stayed in a plastic bottle, the higher the likelihood that chemicals may have entered into the water. It is recommended that you only use a water bottle once and recycle it immediately.