Mapusa City in India unveils initiative against paper cups
Research shows such cups leach microplastics
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) in Goa, India, has launched a year-long campaign to discourage plastic-lined disposable paper cups. This follows new research revealing that microplastics in the cups’ plastic lining are ingested when people drink hot liquids.
The MMC is conducting the awareness campaign cups in all areas under its jurisdiction in partnership with Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre (DMC) and the Lions Club of Mapusa.
Speaking on September 5, 2024, at the campaign’s launch ceremony in Mapusa City, North Goa district, Dr Rajesh Pednekar, a professor at DMC and the campaign coordinator, emphasised the health risks associated with paper cups, particularly the leaching of microplastics at high temperatures.
He cited a study by Dr Sudha Goel from IIT Kharagpur, India, which revealed that drinking three cups of tea from disposable paper cups could result in ingesting approximately 75,000 microplastic particles. The implications of such ingestion include potential carcinogenic effects and hormonal imbalances.
Pednekar added: “According to the IIT Kharagpur study, ingesting microplastics has dangerous side effects on human health as the chemicals used are carcinogenic and can cause hormonal imbalance, gut problems, and related health issues.”
Pledging support
Dr Nutan Bicholkar, Chairperson of MMC, pledged her support for the campaign. At the same time, Shreedhar Naik, President of the Lions Club of Mapusa, voiced his commitment to spreading this crucial message across Goa, a popular tourist destination located on the western coast of India, which gained independence after 451 years of Portuguese rule.
Prof. Dilip Arolkar, Principal of DMC, linked the initiative against paper cups to broader health concerns, including rising cancer rates in India, and underscored the campaign’s alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3, promoting good health and well-being.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, are increasingly found in various consumer products, including paper cups. Although these cups are often considered eco-friendly alternatives, they pose significant health and environmental risks.
Paper cups typically have a polyethene lining to prevent leakage. However, when exposed to hot liquids, this lining can degrade and release microplastics into the beverages.
Studies reveal that when hot beverages are served in paper cups, the interior lining can leach thousands of microplastic particles per litre of liquid, particularly when temperatures exceed 85 °C. This leaching process contaminates drinks and contributes to the broader issue of environmental microplastic pollution.
The growing awareness of these dangers highlights the need for alternative solutions, such as reusable containers, to mitigate the adverse impact of disposable paper cups.
Featured image: Paper cups typically have a polyethene lining to prevent leakage. Credit: Cottonbro Studio
