Should we avoid plastic bottles in summer?

Avoiding plastic bottles, especially in summer, has to do with health considerations. However, there is scientific evidence that water can be stored in plastic bottles even in summer.

Plastic bottles are often made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a material that can release chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates when exposed to heat. When plastic bottles are exposed to high temperatures, such as in the summer or when left in a car, very small amounts of these chemicals can leach into the water. Studies have shown that the small amounts of these chemicals do not have any harmful effects on our health.

When you reuse a plastic bottle without cleaning it thoroughly, bacteria can build up in the bottle, especially in warm conditions. This is because plastic often gets scratched and cracked after reuse, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Stainless steel or glass bottles are also safe to reuse and do not release harmful substances when exposed to heat.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000061?via%3Dihub

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-05 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025