Are you a fan of filling your plastic bottle with hot water first thing in the morning and feeling happy about how you are starting your day with a detox? If the answer is yes, we hate to break it to you that this habit is doing more harm than good. How, you ask? Several experts suggest that hot fluids in a plastic bottle can make the plastic residue/chemical substances move into food or drinking water.
For those who might be thinking ‘who drinks hot water in summer’, there are some health freaks who do. And while the heat has all of us reaching for a fresh drink, most likely packaged in a plastic bottle, experts often advise us to beware of water contamination during the summers and recommend that we stick to drinking boiled water to beat the heat.
But before you think of boiling a kettle full of water and storing it in one of your plastic bottles to cool down, here are six reasons why you need to stop doing this right now.
- Chemical leaching – a serious health risk
When hot water is poured into a plastic bottle, the heat can cause the plastic to release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can be harmful to human health. Even quality water bottles made of Polycarbonate, which is a strong, durable plastic, can release harmful chemicals like BPA when exposed to high temperatures or acidic liquids.
What exactly is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are used in many consumer products, including food and drink containers, reusable water bottles, and baby bottles.
- Hormonal disruption and risk of cancer
BPA has been proven to disrupt the endocrine system, which means it can interfere with the body’s hormones, leading to potential health problems including infertility. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to BPA may increase the risk of cancer, which is why many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, have restricted the use of BPA in certain products, particularly those intended for children.
- Digestive problems from prolonged usage
Small amounts of harmful chemicals mixing with your water intake regularly may also cause digestive problems like bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps.
- Migraines
Chemicals released from plastic bottles can also trigger headaches and migraines in some people. If you are prone to migraine then avoid them at all costs.
5. Reduced water quality and risk of infections
Repeatedly using plastic water bottles can also degrade the quality of the water. Over time, bacteria can build up in the bottle, which can lead to an unpleasant taste or smell. It is well known that bacteria thrive in warm environments. This can also increase the risk of bacterial infections, especially if the bottle is not properly cleaned.
- Increased exposure to microplastics
Hot water can also cause the release of microplastics from plastic bottles, which are tiny plastic particles that can be ingested and potentially cause harm to the body. There are already an alarming number of studies showing traces of microplastics present in our bloodstream, with hazardous chemicals creating havoc in our bodies. Using plastic bottles for hot water would only make things worse.
Apart from all the health risks, there is also the environmental impact caused by plastic bottles ending up in landfills and oceans.
Here are some safer alternatives
Considering all of this, some of the safer and greener options are
- A stainless steel bottle that is easy to clean and completely BPA free
- An insulated glass bottle that is long-lasting and keeps your drink fresher for longer
- A copper bottle that has been proven to have antimicrobial properties
Stay hydrated during the summer with one of these safe and healthy options.