- Motors
H-2-NO
A bottle tested positive for E. coli - but a simple detail kept the other one clear of bacteria
- Ben Shimkus, Motors Staff Reporter
SCIENTISTS are warning drivers to rethink their car-based hydration options as temperatures continue to rise in the mid-summer months.
Anecdotal studies suggested that some hot car-based water bottles may increase the risk of carrying bacteria, but there is a driving tip to avoid the pathogens.
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Several drivers were concerned about the health impacts of using single-use plastic water bottles after they have been left in a hot car, according to Tampa-based CBS affiliate WTSP.
A driver told the station they were concerned about microplastics leeching into the water under intense heat.
Scientists said that small plastic components may disseminate through the water.
However, the amount of health-threatening plastics inside the water is minimal, studies conducted by the Food and Drug Administration found.
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Tests from the agency in 2007 and 2014 found the chemical influence of the water bottle was still healthy for human consumption.
The agency said it would have given the water a passing test if the bottle-based fluids were found in community supplies.
The studies found that it takes about a month of consistent heat exposure for the plastic leeching to become a health risk.
Instead, drivers should pay attention to other health risks, independent scientists told the network.
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Dr. Bill Carroll, a chemistry professor at Indiana University Bloomington, told the station motorists should worry about bacteria in already-opened water.
"My concern would be biological," Dr. Carroll said.
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"You could wind up having stuff growing in [the water bottle.]"
The station conducted an anectodal test to verify Dr. Carroll's theory.
Reporters left two water bottles inside a car in the Florida sun for three days.
The bottles were exactly the same - but a reporter opened and drank from one of the jugs.
After, Steve Fickett, the president of Thornton Laboratories, revealed the analysis of the two bottles.
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it's essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it's important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
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The labs tested both bottles for coliform and E. coli.
The unopened bottle didn't have any trace of bacteria. The opened bottle did have some bacteria present.
The station called the bottle a "breeding ground for bacteria."
"If either the E. coli or total coliform is present, it’s considered a failure in your drinking water," Fickett told the station.
However, the scientist said it is unlikely to make drivers sick if only one person reused the bottle.
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Fickett explained that the bacteria likely came from the person that drank from the bottle.
Because the bacteria had already been introduced into their body, it is unlikely to risk a driver's health.
