Hot food can cause plastic containers to release significantly more microplastics, according to a new analysis of scientific papers, which also found that hot coffee poured into plastic cups releases tens of thousands more microplastic particles than iced coffee.
Studies have shown that daily intake of microplastics carries potential health risks, from hormonal imbalances, diabetes, respiratory and reproductive problems, to an increased risk of several types of cancer.
It is estimated that about 500 billion single-use plastic cups are used worldwide each year.
Scientists examined about 400 coffee cups and found that paper cups lined with polyethylene released less microplastics.
As the liquid in the container heats up, the release of microplastics increases overall.
“If someone drinks 300 ml of coffee from a plastic cup a day, they could ingest 363,000 microplastic particles per year,” the study says.
Scientists believe this data could help consumers reduce their exposure to hazardous particles and provide a basis for introducing safer packaging in the future.
