Many people do it without thinking twice: they get back in the car and drink from a water bottle that's been sitting there for hours or days. But experts warn that this habit could be more dangerous than it seems.
According to specialists, a water bottle left in a vehicle, especially during the summer, can become a source of bacteria and microplastics due to high temperatures and stagnant air inside the cabin.
The longer the bottle sits in the car, the greater the risk. A bottle forgotten for a few hours is no match for another that has been sitting in the sun for days.
Heat not only changes the taste of the water, but it also starts the degradation of the plastic. After more than 24 hours, microorganisms can multiply, while the plastic material begins to gradually break down through chemical and physical processes.
Experts emphasize that there is a difference between an open and a closed bottle. A closed bottle maintains sterility and has less risk of bacteria, but the problem of substances being released from the plastic due to temperature remains. While an open bottle can easily be contaminated by microbes or viruses after contact with the mouth.
The situation becomes even more problematic for sugary drinks, such as teas or fruit juices, because sugar favors the multiplication of bacteria and yeast.
Experts advise avoiding drinks that have been sitting in the car for days and always checking the appearance of the liquid: if it has become cloudy, has changed color, or has visible residue, it should not be consumed.
