The scorching summer heat can take a massive toll on your body. It can cause dehydration, compromise your body's ability to regulate temperature, and lead to various heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat strokes. It is safe to say that during this time, water is your best friend.

However, before you reap the benefits of drinking water, it is important to ask yourself some questions. For instance, do you find yourself buying or drinking from plastic water bottles on a regular basis? Are you accustomed to reusing the same plastic bottles for a long time? If the answer is yes, then here are a few things to start considering.

Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe?

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Prashanth Chandra, Consultant - Internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, says, “Drinking water from plastic bottles is generally safe.”

However, there have been a few concerns regarding plastic bottle use in recent times.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences developed a new technique to analyse tiny plastic particles, or nanoplastics, in bottled water. Surprisingly, researchers found that there are many more nanoplastics than previously thought, ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 per litre, averaging around 240,000.

Nanoplastics are tiny plastics that are less than 0.1 μm in diameter. On the other hand, microplastics refer to pieces of plastic that are smaller than 0.5mm in diameter.

Dr Chandra says, “Over time, plastic bottles can degrade into microplastics, which can contaminate water and harm marine life. These microplastics can also enter the human body through drinking water, although the health effects are not yet fully understood.”

In addition, plastic bottles, especially those made from low-quality plastics or not designed for repeated use, can leach harmful chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, as per the expert.

According to him, the most concerning chemicals are bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to various health issues.

Better Alternatives to Try

Here are some alternatives for plastic water bottles for overall health and wellness:

Stainless steel bottles: These are durable, reusable, and do not leach chemicals into the water. They can keep beverages cold or hot for extended periods of time and are relatively easy to clean.

Glass bottles: Glass bottles are nonporous, do not retain flavours or odours, and are free of harmful chemicals. However, they are more fragile and heavier than plastic or stainless steel bottles.

BPA-free plastic bottles: If you prefer using plastic bottles, look for those labelled as BPA-free. While they may still contain other chemicals, they are considered safer than bottles containing BPA.

Reusable water filter: Instead of buying bottled water, consider investing in a water filter for your tap. This reduces plastic waste and ensures that you have access to clean, safe drinking water at home.

Staying Hydrated Is Key

While avoiding the long-term use of plastic water bottles is of utmost importance, it is crucial to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Particularly in the summer season, you must carry fluids at all times. Avoid quenching your thirst with soda or sugary drinks; instead, always pack a water bottle that is plastic-free and thoroughly cleaned.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/is-it-safe-to-drink-water-from-plastic-bottles-or-not-1714664733