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Many people keep a water bottle in the car… “just in case.” While it is always a good idea to be prepared, a water bottle sitting in a hot car for months on end may not be the wisest move. Water bottles, especially those made of thin plastic, are prone to plastic leaching, a process that can permanently alter the water inside the bottle.
Plastic leaching is the process of chemicals being released from plastic products into the environment. This process is usually caused by heat or exposure to acid. In the case of water bottles, plastic leaching refers to chemicals in the plastic being released into the water itself.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of plastic leaching, raising concern for many people. In fact, “researchers from Columbia University and Rutgers have found at least 240,000 plastic particles in the average liter of bottled water” (1).
Both studies concluded that tiny nanoplastics float within bottled water that people eventually drink. The storage and shelf life of the water bottles determine just how many nanoplastics are present in the water, since water stored in direct sunlight or hot places are more prone to plastic leaching. Plastic also tends to hold stronger before the water bottle’s posted expiration date.
The type of chemicals released during plastic leaching depends on the type of plastic bottle. For example, polyethylene terephthalate, the plastic commonly used in making single-use water bottles, can release small amounts of antimony, a heavy metal, into the water supply (2).
Disposable water bottles are also notoriously thin, and they can be susceptible to contamination from more than just the bottle’s plastic. If disposable water bottles are stored with or around pesticides, paint cans, fertilizers, cleaning supplies, or other strong chemicals, heat allows vapors from these products to penetrate the plastic bottle, contaminating the water.
Another common chemical leached into water is bisphenol A, also known as BPA. BPA can be found in more durable plastic bottles, specifically those made of polycarbonate.
When you drink water from a bottle that has undergone plastic leaching, you are putting yourself at risk of negative health effects. Consuming antimony, the heavy metal present in many single-use water bottles, is linked to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the long-term, exposure to antimony may increase your blood pressure and cholesterol (3).
BPA exposure also comes with a plethora of health risks. It is linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
While plastic leaching is a very real problem, it can be avoided. First, take note of your water bottles’ expiration date, and drink the water by that time. Alternatively, transfer the water from the plastic bottles into a BPA-free container.
Next, be sure to store your water bottles in a cool, dry environment. Avoid keeping water bottles in hot cars. Heat accelerates the leaching process, so keeping your water cool and dry can help extend its shelf life.
Additionally, using products labeled as “BPA-free” can help reduce the risk of plastic leaching. Avoiding plastics labeled with an RIC of “3,” “6,” or “7” can also reduce the risk (3).
Lastly, to ensure your water is free of harmful chemicals and contaminants, run it through a water filter. Using a water filter that is lab-tested to remove chemical contaminants can give you the peace of mind you need to keep drinking bottled water.
Plastic leaching is the process of chemicals transferring from plastic products into its environment. In the case of water bottles, it involves water becoming contaminated by the plastic water bottle. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and antimony are commonly leached from bottles and into the water, placing the consumer at risk of adverse health effects. To avoid the negative effects of plastic leaching, make sure your water bottles are properly stored and consumed by the expiration date. You may also choose to run your bottled water through a water filter for an extra layer of protection.
Is it bad for you to drink water from a plastic water bottle?
Not necessarily. Water from a plastic water bottle is generally considered safe to drink. However, if the water is well past its expiration date or stored in a hot place, there are increased risks of plastic leaching.
Is 5 year old bottled water safe to drink?
If stored correctly and not past its expiration date, five-year-old bottled water is considered safe to drink.
What’s the safest bottled water you can drink?
Generally speaking, plastic bottles labeled with an RIC of 3, 6, or 7 are more susceptible to plastic leaching. Bottled water labeled as BPA-free or FDA-approved is a safer option.
References
Plastic Pollution Coalition,https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2024/1/10/study-finds-hundreds-of-thousands-of-plastic-particles-in-bottled-water
Sudiksha Kochi,USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/10/15/fact-check-plastic-water-bottles-leach-chemicals-but-not-dioxins/6048788001/
Lori King,WebMD,https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/is-it-safe-to-reuse-plastic-water-bottles
