Why You Should Never Drink Water from a Warm Plastic Bottle

Today, Office H2O will explore why you should never drink water from a warm plastic bottle. While sipping from a single warm plastic bottle probably won't harm you immediately, experts now warn that consistently doing so could lead to more serious issues down the road. So why should you steer clear of warm plastic bottles? Let's dive in and find out.

The Risks of Drinking from a Warm Plastic Bottle

A recent article from National Geographic highlights the potential dangers of reaching for a warm plastic bottle this summer. Rolf Halden, director of the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute, cautions against it, stating, "The hotter it gets, the more the chemicals in plastic can leach into food or drinking water." Plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). When these bottles heat up, they release chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and antimony. Studies suggest that BPA can have adverse health effects, particularly in children. Moreover, antimony is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization.

In a study led by University of Florida soil and water science professor Lena Ma, researchers examined 16 different water brands kept at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for four weeks. Their findings revealed a concerning "worst-case scenario" for human consumption. As the bottles warmed over the weeks, antimony and BPA levels rose. Ma advised against leaving bottled water in a hot garage for extended periods or in your car during scorching summer days.

The Impact of BPA and Antimony on Human Health

Both BPA and antimony have been associated with various health issues. BPA has been linked to reproductive, immune, and neurological problems. Research also indicates that BPA may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, metabolic diseases, childhood asthma, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Studies even suggest that BPA can negatively influence children's behavior.

What about antimony? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people are exposed to low levels of antimony in the environment. Short-term inhalation exposure can irritate the eyes and skin. Chronic exposure, however, has been tied to respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive effects. Although antimony isn't classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, studies show that inhalation exposure has been linked to lung tumor growth in rats.

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

So just how concerned should you be about drinking from a warm plastic bottle? It largely depends on how frequently you do it. While the trace amounts of chemicals consumed from a single warm plastic bottle are unlikely to cause immediate health problems, experts stress that consistent use poses a greater risk. Halden points out, "If you drink water from one PET bottle, will that hurt your health? Probably not. But if you go through 20 bottles a day, the question of safety becomes entirely different."

The cumulative impact of constantly being surrounded by plastics or microplastics in our water has the greatest potential to affect our health. For this reason, Halden (along with many other experts) recommends using a metal water bottle instead of disposable or reusable plastic ones, especially in the summer when plastics are exposed to heat. Additionally, though not part of her original study, Ma supports tap water (regulated by the EPA) over bottled water.

Say Goodbye to the Dangers of Plastic Bottles with Office H2O!

The research outlined in this article makes it clear that we should avoid drinking from warm plastic bottles whenever possible. Furthermore, given plastic's detrimental effects on the environment and your wallet, it's becoming increasingly evident that ditching disposable plastic water bottles altogether is the best approach. Fortunately, there's an easy way to remove plastic bottles from your life—by purchasing a bottleless water system from Office H2O.

At Office H2O, we're committed to providing convenient access to clean drinking water while reducing reliance on plastic. Our bottleless water systems utilize advanced filtration and purification technologies to eliminate plastic waste. If you're interested in getting your own system, feel free to browse our selection. Contact us with any questions or concerns—we'd love to help!

Photo credit: Unsplash