Heat exposure increases chemical leaching from plastic water bottles

Rising temperatures pose a potential health risk regarding the use of plastic water bottles. Research from Arizona State University indicates that heat exposure can cause plastic materials to decompose, increasing the likelihood of chemical substances leaching into drinking water.

Specifically, scientists have analyzed how heat exposure leads to the release of antimony, a substance used in the manufacturing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that most plastic items release only minute amounts of chemicals, researchers are investigating the long-term effects of these small doses, as they may accumulate in the human body over time and cause severe health issues.