In the UK alone, 2.5 billion of these hot paper cups warm hands annually, sparking years of debate about their impact on human health. They then become tens of thousands of tons of waste that is difficult to recycle.
If you're enjoying your coffee on the go, a study published in the British newspaper "Daily Mail" revealed that paper coffee cups may contain thousands of harmful chemical particles that leach into your drink through the thin, waterproof plastic lining.
Dr. Sudha Goel, who led a study conducted by a team of academic researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, which is the latest to highlight the dangers of unintentionally consuming microplastics, stated that the 15 minutes it takes to drink coffee or tea is enough time for the plastic lining of a cup to break down, releasing approximately 25,000 microplastic particles into the beverage and subsequently into the body. These particles include metals such as zinc, lead, and chromium. A person who drinks their coffee from a paper cup three times a day is at risk of ingesting 75,000 particles invisible to the naked eye.
Goel explained, "The aim of this study was to monitor the breakdown of this plastic lining as a result of exposure to hot water at 85 to 90 degrees Celsius, and the release of ions such as fluoride, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate into the beverage from the paper cup. This was prompted by the research team's observation that most cups are not actually made of paper, but rather lined with an inner plastic layer to make them water-resistant."
The main reason for the warning against drinking coffee and other hot beverages from paper cups lined with plastic is the components these cups are made from, particularly bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical has been used in the manufacture of plastic containers since the 1960s, as well as countless other products we handle daily, including car tires, clothing, and cosmetics.
BPA particles leach into hot liquids as the heat warms the thin plastic lining of the cup, causing various health problems.
A research team from the University of Arizona discovered traces of this harmful chemical in every human tissue sample they tested, including lung, kidney, spleen, and liver tissue.
Dr. Varun Kelkar, a member of the research team, commented on these findings to the British newspaper The Guardian, saying, "We never want to be alarmist, but it is concerning that these ubiquitous, non-biodegradable substances can enter and accumulate in human tissues, and we cannot guarantee the potential health effects."
While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that bisphenol A (BPA) is safe in very small amounts that leach into food and beverages, some research has shown that BPA exposure is a cause for concern due to its potential effects on brain and prostate health in infants and children, as well as its impact on children's behavior. Further research is investigating a possible link between BPA and high blood pressure.
BPA may also affect hormones and cause disruptions in brain development and growth, in addition to its impact on glucose levels and diabetes, according to a study published in the journal Benthamopen.
Other studies have shown that high levels of BPA in the body can be extremely dangerous for both pregnant women and their fetuses and may lead to breast cancer.
If you're concerned about bisphenol A (BPA) leaching into your food and drinks, the Mayo Clinic recommends taking these steps to reduce your risk:
1. Use cups labeled BPA-free. More companies are now manufacturing BPA-free products. If the label isn't clearly labeled, be aware that some plastic products marked with recycling symbols 3 or 7 may still contain BPA.
2. Limit your use of metal containers and canned goods. Use alternatives, such as glass, porcelain, or stainless-steel containers, for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.
3. Avoid heat. Don't put plastic items in the microwave or dishwasher, as heat can cause them to break down over time, allowing BPA to leach into your food.