The inside of virtually every standard hot drink disposable cup has a thin polyethylene plastic lining that prevents the paper from becoming soggy. This lining is what your hot drink is in direct contact with. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that a cup of hot liquid in a standard disposable cup with polyethylene lining resulted in approximately 25,000 micron-sized plastic particles being released per 100 mL of liquid. For a standard 12-ounce coffee, that is potentially 90,000 plastic microparticles in a single cup.
Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lung tissue, placental tissue, breast milk, and gut tissue. A 2022 study published in Environment International detected microplastics in the blood of 77 percent of participants tested. The health implications are still being actively researched, which is precisely why they are concerning.
What to Do
- Bring a reusable cup: Stanley, Hydro Flask, Yeti, or any double-wall stainless steel or glass option
- If you forget, ask for your drink in a ceramic mug if you are staying at the cafe
- If using a disposable cup, let your drink cool slightly before drinking to reduce migration rate
- Avoid stirring hot drinks with plastic stirrers; use metal or wood
References
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