New research raises concerns about the safety of single-use paper cups
Drinking hot tea or coffee from single-use paper cups—a common urban habit—may carry hidden health risks. A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, one of Asia’s leading research institutions, has raised serious concerns about the release of microplastics from these cups when they come into contact with hot liquids.
What did the study find?
According to the research team led by Prof. Sudha Goel, paper cups are not made of paper alone. They are typically lined with a thin plastic coating—most often polyethylene or similar copolymers—to prevent leakage. When hot beverages at temperatures of 85–90°C are poured into these cups, the plastic lining begins to degrade.
The results show that in just 15 minutes, about 25,000 microplastic particles can be released into 100 ml of a hot drink. If a person consumes three cups of tea or coffee per day from paper cups, daily exposure could reach up to 75,000 microplastic particles.
How was the research conducted?
The study followed two experimental approaches:
In the first phase, ultra-pure water heated to 85–90°C was poured into commercially available paper cups and left for 15 minutes. The liquid was then analyzed for microplastics and ions released from the cup material.
In the second phase, cups were first exposed to lukewarm water (30–40°C) to carefully separate the plastic lining from the paper. This lining was then examined before and after exposure to hot water, revealing clear physical, chemical, and mechanical degradation.
Why is this a health concern?
Microplastics are not biologically inert. Experts warn that they can act as carriers for toxic substances, including:
heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and palladium,
hydrophobic organic compounds,
endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Studies cited by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and scientific journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and Nature Food suggest that prolonged exposure to microplastics may be linked to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, hormonal disruption, and an increased risk of certain cancers—although long-term human studies are still ongoing.
What do experts recommend?
To reduce exposure to microplastics, experts advise:
avoiding hot drinks in single-use paper cups,
choosing glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers instead,
limiting the use of plastic products in contact with hot food and beverages.
This small lifestyle change can help protect personal health while also reducing environmental pollution caused by single-use plastic waste.
