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Microplastics, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Released From Disposable Hot Drink Cups, Teabags and Their Evaluation from Health Perspect
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Researchers measured microplastic release from disposable paper cups, plastic cups, and teabags when filled with hot water, finding tens of thousands of particles per milliliter along with detectable phthalates and bisphenol A, suggesting daily hot beverage consumption is a significant route of microplastic and endocrine disruptor exposure.
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants that contaminate resources such as water, air, and soil. Humans can encounter microplastics by ways of inhalation, digestion, or dermal contact. The use of single use paper and plastic cups, as well as tea bags, is very common. These vessels are usually made of plastic, and the teas bags are usually made of half-synthetic cellulose. This study aims to draw attention to their effects of them on human health by analyzing MPs as a result of contact with plastic paper cups and teabags with a hot aqueous solution (50°C, 70°C, and 90°C). In this study used scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the results were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Number of MP particles released from teabags increased to 4.59 x 104 particles/mL while in paper cups and plastic cups MP particle numbers elevated to 2.94 x 104 particles/mL and 2.11 x 104 particles/mL respectively. Total phthalate compound concentrations determined in aqueous solution samples were 1.74 - 2.42 µg/L in tea bags, 1.49 - 2.40 µg/L in paper cups, 1.20 - 1.28 µg/L in plastic cups; Bisphenol A concentration ranges were determined as 0.015-0.045 µg/L in plastic cups, 0.006-0.011 µg/L in tea bags and 0.005-0.006 µg/L in paper cups. Since the consumption of tea or coffee that comes into contact with disposable plastics every day may increase the daily MP intake and may cause health problems in the future.
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