Drinking coffee in paper cup may raise cancer risk
People could be ingesting thousands of harmful microplastics with each hot drink, warn scientists
DRINKING coffee from a paper cup could lead to the ingestion of thousands of harmful microplastics, researchers have warned, amid fears the tiny particles could increase the risk of cancer.
Researchers found storing hot drinks in paper cups released around 25,000 micron-sized plastic particles into the drink in a matter of minutes.
The study, due to be published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, revealed that the microplastic layer of the cup degrades in just 15 minutes – the time it takes to drink the coffee or tea.
Dr Sudha Goel, the study’s lead author, said: “An average person drinking three regular cups of tea or coffee daily, in a paper cup, would end up ingesting 75,000 microplastic particles which are invisible to the naked eye.”
Some 264 billion paper cups were produced last year for consuming tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks and soups
– enough for 35 per person worldwide. It comes amid rising concern about the effects of ingesting microplastics.
Research published by academics at Arizona University revealed this year, for the first time, that microplastics can enter human organs. They stressed that it was not yet known whether the plastics were “just a nuisance or whether it
represents a human health hazard”.
A 2019 WWF report found the average person ingested the equivalent of a credit card in plastic each week. It said people were consuming up to 102,000 pieces of plastic, or less than 250g (9oz) each year, with the majority from water.
Although the health i mpacts of microplastics on humans still need further research, experts have linked microplastic pollution to inflammation, infertility and cancer in animals.
Dr Goel, of the Indian Institute of
Technology said: “Microplastics act as carriers for contaminants like ions, toxic heavy metals such as palladium, chromium and cadmium, as well as organic compounds that are water repelling and can cross over into the animal kingdom. When ingested regularly over time, the health implications could be serious.”
In the l atest study, researchers poured ultra-pure ( Milliq) water at 85-90C i nto paper cups and then allowed it to sit for 15 minutes. The liquid was analysed under a fluorescent microscope for microplastics. Dr Goel described the results as “startling”, adding: “We could confirm the release of microplastic particles using a scanner.”
Most disturbingly, analysis of the plastic films discovered the presence of heavy metals in the liners.
Prof Virendra Tewari, the institute director, said: “This study shows careful consideration needs to be done before the promotion of replacements for biohazardous products and environmental pollutants. We have been quick to replace plastic cups and glasses with disposable paper cups.”
He suggested a return to the traditional disposable terracotta cups that are still used in many parts of India.