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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
The temperatures are soaring and you are now thinking about leaving a bottle of water in your car, to hydrate yourself if necessary. Bad idea ! Indeed, the consequences are not trivial. Let’s take stock with Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
For the past few days, temperatures have been high and you say to yourself that you should leave a bottle of water in your car, within easy reach. This is a bad idea, because leaving a bottle of water in your vehicle, in direct sunlight, is not without risk. Here are the ones.
A fire risk
We wouldn’t imagine talking about a fire caused by a bottle of water? Well yes. “The plastic bottle can act like a magnifying glass, focusing the sun’s rays and potentially starting a fire.” confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek. “The reflected rays can be intense enough to burn seats or other flammable materials in the car.”
Release of harmful chemicals
“Intense heat can cause dangerous chemical molecules to be released from plastic into the water, including bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially carcinogenic endocrine disruptor” recalls Gérald Kierzek. Likewise, over time, microplastics are released into the water. Microplastics invisible to the naked eye but which will be swallowed when you drink the water from the bottle.
The proliferation of microorganisms
The heat in the car interior will “promote the rapid development of bacteria and fungi in water, making it unfit for consumption” underlines our expert.
Unsafe water
Dr Gérald Kierzek goes even further. “Even if the bottle remains intact, water heated inside a car is no longer recommended for consumption.” says the doctor. There is therefore no need to store your bottle on the seats or in the cup holder provided for this purpose.
A deformation of the bottle
Temperatures in the car cabin can reach 50°C during heatwaves. “There heat extreme may deform the plastic bottle, increasing the risk of leaking or breakage“. No point in ruining your seats for a little water, right?
You get it: there’s no point in storing a bottle of water in your car, whether on the seats or near the steering wheel. Dr. Gérald Kierzek therefore reminds us of a few tips that are easy to apply instead:
- Store the bottles in the shade, for example in the trunk and thus avoid exposing them to the sun;
- Carry fresh water on each journey rather than leaving it inside the vehicle;
- Use reusable water bottles made from more heat-resistant materials, rather than transparent plastic bottles.
“By following these precautions, you will be able to stay hydrate safely on hot summer days“concludes the doctor.