Fact Check: "Water Bottles Left in Car Cause Cancer"
What We Know
The claim that plastic water bottles left in hot cars can cause cancer, primarily through the release of harmful dioxins, has been widely circulated. However, scientific evidence does not support this assertion. According to a fact check by USA Today, plastic water bottles do not release dioxins when exposed to heat. Dioxins are toxic compounds that are primarily produced through industrial processes and are not found in plastic materials used for water bottles. Experts, including Rolf Halden, director of the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University, have stated that while heat can cause leaching of certain chemicals from plastics, dioxins are not among them. Instead, Halden suggests that there are other chemicals that could potentially be harmful, but the risk of cancer from dioxins in this context is negligible (source-1).
Additionally, a report from the Australian Cancer Council confirms that drinking water from plastic bottles, even those left in hot cars, does not increase cancer risk. The article emphasizes that there is no scientific evidence supporting the notion that such practices lead to cancer, and it dismisses various myths surrounding the safety of plastic bottles.
Analysis
The sources consulted provide a clear consensus that the claim linking plastic water bottles left in hot cars to cancer is unfounded. The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include reputable organizations like the USA Today and the Australian Cancer Council, which are known for their commitment to factual reporting and public health information.
The USA Today fact check specifically addresses the viral claims about dioxins and highlights the scientific consensus on the matter. It points out that while leaching can occur, the chemicals released do not include dioxins, which are often wrongly associated with cancer risk in this context. Furthermore, the Australian Cancer Council's article reinforces this position, stating that there is no credible evidence to suggest that drinking from plastic bottles poses a cancer risk (source-2).
However, it is important to note that while the risk of cancer from dioxins is not a concern, the leaching of other chemicals from plastic bottles, particularly when exposed to heat, is a valid issue. This leaching can lead to the presence of substances like BPA and microplastics, which have been flagged for potential health risks (source-7). Nonetheless, the specific claim about cancer caused by dioxins is misleading and not supported by scientific evidence.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that water bottles left in cars cause cancer, particularly through the release of dioxins, is false. Scientific evidence shows that while heat can cause leaching of certain chemicals from plastic, dioxins are not released, and there is no credible evidence linking this practice to cancer. The consensus among health experts is that drinking from plastic bottles, even when left in hot conditions, does not pose a cancer risk.
Sources
- Fact check: Plastic water bottles left in hot cars don't ...
- It's safe to drink water out of plastic bottles without a risk ...
- Fact check: Plastic water bottles leach chemicals, but not ...
- Leaving Water Bottles in Hot Car: Is it Safe to Drink?
- Should I be concerned if disposable water bottles freeze or ...
- Is It Safe to Drink Bottled Water Left in a Hot Car?
- Put Down That Water Bottle From The Hot Car
- Rumors, Myths & Truths
