Research shows what happens when you drink bottled water in your car

Hydration is important, so it's helpful to always have a bottle of water with you. However, new research shows that keeping a plastic bottle in the car isn't wise. Such bottles could slowly poison your body when exposed to heat.

80 percent of plastic water bottles sold today contain microplastics and other unknown substances linked to various health conditions, such as cancer, fertility problems, and metabolic disorders like diabetes . For this reason alone, it's recommended to replace plastic bottles with reusable ones made of materials like stainless steel and glass.

Several studies also show that exposure to heat, such as that found in cars without air conditioning, can accelerate the toxic effects of plastic. A new study from Nanjing University in China confirms this and reveals new health risks. For the study, plastic water bottles were exposed to intense heat of 70 degrees Celsius for four weeks. After exposure to the heat, the researchers discovered that the plastic bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), had released antimony (a toxic heavy metal) and bisphenol A (BPA) into the water.

And that's not without risks: exposure to antimony can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and sleep deprivation. In the long term, it can even lead to pneumonia and stomach ulcers. Bisphenol A (BPA) is linked to cancer, fertility problems, autism, cardiovascular complications, and even premature death.

It's therefore important to minimize exposure to such substances. The university therefore advises never storing plastic water bottles at high temperatures. Because temperatures in a car on a hot day can reach over 50°C, it's wise to never leave a plastic bottle in a car.