Bottled water is a convenient way to stay hydrated, especially when on-the-go. However, concerns may arise about the safety of drinking bottled water that has been left inside a hot car for an extended period of time.
Can heat affect bottled water?
Yes, heat can potentially affect the quality and safety of bottled water. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Plastic chemicals – Heat can cause chemicals from the plastic bottle to leach into the water. This is more likely to occur with older, scratched plastic bottles.
- Bacteria growth – Warm environments promote bacterial growth. Standing water in a hot enclosed space like a car can enable bacteria multiplication.
- Plastic deformation – Extreme heat may cause plastic bottles to deform, rupture or leak.
Research indicates temperatures above 130°F (54°C) may compromise the integrity and quality of bottled water. The interior of cars parked in summer heat can reach temperatures well above this.
How long can bottled water safely sit in a hot car?
There is no set time limit for how long bottled water can safely remain in a hot vehicle. Factors like sunlight exposure, outdoor temperature and car interior conditions all impact the rate of heat accumulation.
As a general guideline:
- Up to 1 hour – Bottled water should remain safe if left for short periods in a car during warm weather.
- 1-2 hours – Safety risk increases as water is subjected to sustained heat and sunlight exposure.
- Over 2 hours – The bottled water may be unsafe to drink if left in a very hot car interior for an extended period.
On hot summer days, the car interior can become dangerously hot within 30 minutes. In this scenario, bottled water may start to incur damage after just 1 hour of heat exposure. It is best to avoid leaving bottled beverages in the car unnecessarily.
Signs bottled water may no longer be safe after heat exposure
Here are some telltale signs your bottled water may have been compromised after sitting inside a hot car:
- Plastic bottle is warm to the touch
- Water tastes different – noticeable “plastic” or chemical-like taste
- Cloudy appearance instead of clear
- Strong odor is detectable
- Bottle is misshapen, damaged, or leaking
If in doubt, it is safest to avoid drinking the bottled water and properly dispose of the contents.
Tips for keeping bottled water safe in a car
Here are some tips for minimizing the heat-related risks of keeping bottled water stored in a vehicle:
- Park in shade – Choose shaded parking spots to keep car interior cooler.
- Use an insulated cooler – Keep water bottles in a well-insulated cooler with ice packs.
- Cover with towels – Cover closed water bottles with towels to block sunlight.
- Store in trunk – Keep water in the trunk instead of in the main cabin.
- Limit time in car – Avoid leaving bottled water in car for extended periods.
- Check bottle temperature – Before drinking, check that the water bottle feels cool to the touch.
Taking these precautions will help safeguard bottled water quality and limit heat exposure during storage in a vehicle.
Can you reuse plastic water bottles left in a hot car?
It’s not recommended to reuse disposable plastic water bottles that have been left inside a hot car. The cumulative effects of heat and sunlight can make the plastic more prone to leaching chemicals into the contents. Reusing old bottles also increases the risk of bacterial contamination.
The safest option is to properly discard and recycle single-use plastic water bottles that may have been compromised by heat. Do not attempt to refill and reuse them. Investing in reusable water bottles made of safe, durable materials provides a good alternative.
Does heat affect other bottled beverages in the same way?
Yes, heat can potentially damage other bottled drinks left for extended periods inside hot vehicles:
- Plastic bottled sodas/juices – Heat enables leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the beverage. Can impart bad flavors.
- Glass bottled sodas/juices – Absorbs heat from sunlight, heating contents. Can alter taste.
- Milk – Heat accelerates spoilage. May cause “off” flavors, odors, and curdling.
- Alcohol – Elevated heat for prolonged time can deteriorate taste and alcohol percentage.
Drinks in plastic and glass bottles should also be shielded from excessive heat and sunlight in vehicles. As with water, taste or inspect bottles before consumption if left for long periods in a hot environment.
Does putting bottles in the freezer make them safe to drink?
Placing a bottled beverage in the freezer after it has baked inside a hot car is not enough to make it safe for consumption. Here are some concerns with this method:
- Does not reverse chemical leaching – Freezing won’t remove plastics chemicals that have already seeped into the liquid.
- May not kill all bacteria – Although the cold temperature inhibits bacteria, some may still survive.
- Can cause bottle to leak or explode – Rapid freezing can damage the bottle, causing cracks or explosion.
- Alters taste – Freezing will noticeably change the taste of the beverage.
The safest option is to properly dispose of any bottled drinks you suspect may have been compromised from heat rather than trying to “rescue” them via freezing.
Does cool temperature also affect bottled water safety?
Yes, prolonged exposure to cool temperatures can also potentially impact the safety of bottled water and beverages:
- Possible plastic leaching – Very cold temperatures can cause plasticizers to leach from bottle materials.
- Freezing risk – Water expands when frozen, which can rupture bottles.
- Bacteria survival – Some bacteria can remain dormant in cold water until it thaws.
- Condensation – Removing cold bottles into warm air causes moisture build-up.
It is generally recommended not to store bottled water at temperatures below 32°F (0°C). If frozen, bottled water should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator before drinking.
Does bottled water go bad or have an expiration date?
Bottled water itself does not expire or inherently go “bad,” although its quality can deteriorate over time. Here are some considerations regarding bottled water shelf life:
- Unopened commercially bottled water typically retains quality for 2 years when properly stored.
- Opened bottled water should be used within 3-6 months for best taste.
- Plastic bottles and watercan degrade when stored long term, especially with exposure to sunlight and heat.
- No regulationsrequire expiration dates onbottled water. Brandsvoluntarily apply “best by”dates.
Proper refrigerated storage after opening and avoiding sources of heat help preserve bottled water’s freshness and minimize deterioration risks.
Does leaving water bottles in the car raise cancer risks?
There has been some concern that chemicals leaching from plastic water bottles left in hot cars over time may increase cancer risks. However, research has not conclusively linked bottled water exposures to increased cancer.
Here are key points to know:
- Heat causes more leaching from damaged, older plastic bottles.
- Antimony, a possible carcinogen, may leach from PET plastic bottles at high temperatures.
- Any leached chemicals are highly diluted in bottled water.
- Trace chemical intakes from bottled water are very low compared to other sources.
- No definitive link between bottled water chemicals and cancer has been found.
Overall, occasional bottled water consumption even after heat exposure represents an extremely low cancer risk. But damaged bottles and prolonged heat exposure could potentially increase chemicals leaching into contents.
Conclusion
In summary, heat and sunlight can compromise bottled water quality and safety when left for extended periods inside hot vehicles. Prolonged heat accelerates plastic leaching, temperature changes, and bacterial growth – posing health risks if consumed. Bottled water should not be stored long-term in cars on hot days. Check bottle conditions before use and refrain from drinking water with noticeable odor, taste, or appearance changes. Practicing caution provides protection against potential negatives of drinking bottled water exposed to hot temperatures during car storage.
