Anyone drinking from a plastic water bottle this summer has been warned of the "hidden health risks" of sipping it when it's warm.
Summer and (hopefully) some sunshine are well and truly on their way.
And as temperatures rise, it's important that we stay hydrated and healthy.
How much water should I drink in a day?
We should be aiming to drink at least six to eight cups of water a day, according to the Eatwell Guide.
Water is a cheap and healthy way for us to keep to this goal but lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count towards our daily intake.
That being said, if we drink warm water from a plastic bottle that could be doing us more harm than good.
"Do not drink bottled water that has been left in the sun or a hot environment, like a car," according to Sarah Lawson, a food safety expert from Storage Box Shop.
Sarah continued: "The heat can cause harmful chemicals to leach from the plastic into the water.”
Is drinking hot bottled water bad for you?
Yes, the expert explained that when bottled water heats up, chemicals from the plastic can get into the water.
These chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, can be harmful if you drink them.
Drinking water with these chemicals can make you feel unwell and cause health problems.
You could experience a few different issues including stomach problems like nausea or stomach aches.
After drinking, you could develop headaches dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
You many experience problems with your hormones which can lead to more serious health issues over time.
How to stay safe when drinking bottled water
There are a few things you can do to help you stay safe when drinking bottled water this summer:
- Keep It Cool: Always store your bottled water in a cool place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight.
- Use a Cooler: If you’re on the go, keep your bottled water in a cooler with ice packs.
- Check the Temperature: Before you drink bottled water, check if it feels warm. If it does, it’s better to get a fresh bottle.
Recommended reading
- What is SPF and what does the number mean? When to reapply
- Exactly when you should be drinking water as wellbeing expert shares 5 top tips
- How to treat sunburnt skin: Dermatologist shares 6 tips
The food safety expert from Storage Box Shop advised that staying hydrated is important.
However, Sarah urged that drinking water that has been left in the heat is not safe.
You should always keep your bottled water cool to protect your health.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel