☕ Tea in Paper Cups May Be Brewing a Health Crisis: IIT Kharagpur Study Raises Alarming Concerns
In cities across India, tea is more than a beverage—it’s a cultural ritual. From bustling street corners to upscale malls, millions indulge in daily cups of chai. But a recent study by IIT Kharagpur has raised serious health concerns about the widespread use of paper cups for serving hot beverages. The research suggests that these disposable cups may be silently contributing to life-threatening diseases, including cancer.
🔍 Background: Rise of Paper Cups Post-Pandemic
🦠 COVID-19 Changed How India Drinks Tea
Before the pandemic, tea vendors and restaurants commonly used reusable cups made of steel, glass, or ceramic. However, hygiene concerns during COVID-19 led to a surge in single-use paper cups. Their convenience and low cost made them the preferred choice for vendors and customers alike.
- Pre-COVID: Steel, ceramic, and glass cups were standard.
- Post-COVID: 90% of tea stalls now use disposable paper cups.
- Daily Consumption: In districts like Rewa and Bhopal, 8–9 lakh paper cups are used every day.
⚠️ What the IIT Kharagpur Study Revealed
🧪 Microplastics in Every Sip
Researchers from the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Kharagpur conducted a detailed study on the chemical composition of paper cups. They found that these cups are lined with a thin hydrophobic film—usually made of polyethylene or co-polymers—to prevent liquid leakage. When hot tea or coffee is poured into these cups, the lining begins to degrade within 15 minutes.
Key Findings:
- Each paper cup releases 25,000 microplastic particles into hot beverages.
- A person drinking three cups daily may ingest 75,000 microplastic particles unknowingly.
- These particles are invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate human cells and cause damage.
🧬 Health Risks of Microplastic Exposure
🧠 Beyond Cancer: Hormonal and Neurological Impact
Microplastics are known to interfere with biological systems. Once inside the body, they can disrupt cellular functions and accumulate in organs.
Potential Health Hazards:
- Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure may trigger carcinogenic mutations.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Microplastics can mimic or block hormone signals.
- Neurological Disorders: Studies suggest links to nervous system damage.
- Reproductive Issues: Emerging research indicates fertility complications.
“These particles may not be visible, but their impact on health is profound,” said a senior researcher from IIT Kharagpur.
🏙️ Ground Reality: Paper Cups Dominate Urban Tea Culture
📊 Decline of Traditional Cups
Despite the risks, paper cups continue to dominate due to their affordability and ease of use.
- Only 10% of tea vendors still use glass, ceramic, or kulhad cups.
- Street stalls and malls prefer paper cups to avoid washing and breakage.
- Bulk vendors report daily sales of 500–1000 cups per shop.
🌱 Environmental Impact of Paper Cups
🌍 Not as Eco-Friendly as They Seem
While paper cups are marketed as biodegradable, their plastic lining makes them difficult to recycle. Most end up in landfills, contributing to pollution.
Environmental Concerns:
- Non-biodegradable lining contaminates soil and water.
- Single-use culture increases waste generation.
- Kulhad and ceramic cups are more sustainable alternatives.
📢 Public Health Advisory: Switch to Safer Alternatives
🩺 CMHO Bhopal Issues Urgent Appeal
Dr. Sharma, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Bhopal, has urged citizens to avoid paper cups and opt for safer options like steel, ceramic, glass, or kulhad.
“Identifying plastic-coated cups is difficult. It’s safer to use traditional materials,” Dr. Sharma emphasized.
Recommended Alternatives:
- ✅ Kulhad (Clay Cups): Biodegradable and chemical-free.
- ✅ Ceramic Cups: Durable and safe for hot liquids.
- ✅ Glass Cups: Non-reactive and reusable.
- ✅ Steel Cups: Hygienic and long-lasting.
📚 Supporting Research and Global Context
🌐 What Other Studies Say
Globally, researchers have echoed similar concerns about microplastics in food and beverages.
- A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found microplastics in bottled water.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more research into microplastic health effects.
📌 Summary: What You Need to Know
- Paper cups release microplastics when exposed to hot liquids.
- Daily tea drinkers may ingest thousands of harmful particles.
- Health risks include cancer, hormonal imbalance, and neurological damage.
- Traditional cups like kulhad, ceramic, and steel are safer and eco-friendly.
- Public health officials recommend switching to reusable alternatives.
❓ FAQs
❓ Are paper cups safe for drinking tea?
No. Research shows they release microplastics when exposed to hot liquids, posing health risks.
❓ What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter the human body and disrupt cellular functions.
❓ Which cups are safest for hot beverages?
Kulhad, ceramic, glass, and steel cups are considered safe and environmentally friendly.
❓ Can microplastics cause cancer?
Yes. Long-term exposure to microplastics has been linked to cancer and other serious illnesses.
❓ Why are paper cups still widely used?
They are cheap, convenient, and require no cleaning, making them popular among vendors.
🏁 Conclusion
The convenience of paper cups may come at a steep cost to public health and the environment. With mounting evidence from IIT Kharagpur and global studies, it’s time for consumers and vendors to rethink their choices. Switching to traditional, reusable cups is not just a safer option—it’s a responsible one.
External Source: Patrika Report
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