When a New York’s heat wave sends temperatures soaring into the 90s, the inside of parked cars can become dangerously hot within minutes — leaving steering wheels too hot to touch, seat belts scorching against skin and bottled water baking in the heat for hours.
While experts say sealed bottled water left in a hot car is usually safe for a short time, prolonged heat exposure can affect the plastic bottle and alter the taste of the water.
Here’s what to know as extreme heat settles across parts of New York and the Northeast.
How hot can a car get during a heat wave?
Cars heat up quickly, even when outdoor temperatures don’t seem extreme.
According to the National Weather Service, the inside of a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees or more within about 10 minutes. On a 95-degree day, the interior can easily exceed 120 degrees.
Dark interiors, direct sunlight and closed windows can push temperatures even higher.
Is bottled water left in a hot car safe to drink?
Generally, yes — if the bottle remains sealed and hasn’t been sitting in extreme heat for an extended period or repeatedly heating up, cooling down and reheating inside a vehicle.
In other words, a bottle left in the car for a few hours during the day is generally considered OK to drink, but one that has been sitting in extreme heat for a day or longer may be better to replace.
The biggest concern usually isn’t bacteria. Commercial bottled water is sealed and processed to limit contamination.
Instead, researchers have studied whether prolonged heat exposure can cause small amounts of chemicals or microplastics from plastic bottles to leach into the water over time.
A 2014 study examined 16 brands of bottled water sold in China that were stored at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for four weeks and found higher levels of antimony — a substance listed as toxic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — as well as bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in some plastics that has been under long-term scrutiny.
Even so, only one of the 16 brands tested above the Environmental Protection Agency standards for antimony and BPA.
When should you throw bottled water away?
You may want to discard the bottle if the seal has already been broken or if the bottle itself looks warped or damaged from heat exposure, according to the Centers for Disease and Control.
It’s also a good idea to toss it if the water smells or tastes unusual after sitting in a hot car.
And if it has been sitting in extreme heat for days or weeks, it’s best to replace it rather than drink it.
Are reusable water bottles better in the heat?
Reusable insulated bottles — especially stainless steel versions — typically hold up better in hot conditions than thin disposable plastic bottles.
Still, reusable bottles should be cleaned regularly, particularly after being left in a hot car with sports drinks, flavored beverages or anything besides plain water.
How to stay hydrated during New York’s heat wave
Health officials recommend drinking water consistently during extreme heat, even before feeling thirsty.
Other tips include:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly during prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity.
If a water bottle has been sitting in a sweltering car for days and seems questionable, replacing it is the safest option.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Is bottled water left in a hot car safe to drink?
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
