In recent times, a topic has ignited discussions and captured attention - the warning against prolonged consumption of hot coffee.

Originating from a popular science microblog, the discourse highlights research revealing that the plastic film lining ordinary takeaway coffee cups can release billions of nanoparticles into our bodies when exposed to high-temperature hot water.

The research stems from a study conducted last year by a team of chemists led by Christopher Zangmeister at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Using food-grade nylon bags and low-density polyethylene-containing products as samples, the study aimed to investigate the sources and release of microplastics, with the plastic film in common disposable takeaway coffee cups being a primary focus.

Results from the study demonstrated that when a cup of 100°C hot water was left in a standard takeaway coffee cup for 20 minutes, researchers detected trillions of plastic nanoparticles per liter of water. In simpler terms, consuming a 500ml cup of hot coffee or milk tea exposes an individual to around 500 billion plastic nanoparticles.

Microplastics, fragments, and particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter released during plastic product use, particularly for food purposes, were identified. Nanoplastics, the smallest known microplastics measuring less than 1 μm, were found to be small enough to penetrate cell membranes, indicating their potential to enter the human body.

In our daily lives, plastics surround us – from bottled beverages to meal takeout boxes and coffee cups. As the consumption of takeout meals and hot beverages like coffee continues, microplastics enter our bodies almost imperceptibly.

The concern extends to infants as well. A study published in Nature Food estimated that up to 16 million microplastic particles per liter of powdered milk could be ingested when stored in polypropylene plastic bottles. The immediacy of microplastic production was confirmed, with detection occurring within just one minute of bottling.

Moreover, the study observed a surge in microplastic particles released per liter when the water temperature increased from 25°C to 95°C – a shift from 600,000 to 55 million particles. This underscores the relationship between water temperature and microplastic release, indicating higher temperatures result in more significant releases.

Professor Kieran D. Cox and his Canadian team estimated that individuals ingest around 50,000 microplastic particles annually, based on American dietary habits and the varying microplastic content in different foods.

When considering microplastics inhaled through breathing, the annual intake per person ranges from 74,000 to 121,000 particles – equivalent to approximately 5 grams per week, akin to the weight of a bank card.

The ingestion of these microplastics poses a substantial threat to health, potentially leading to inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer. Consequently, researchers advocate for a reduction in the use of single-use plastic products and advise against employing plastic items in high-temperature environments to mitigate potential health risks.

In this era of heightened environmental consciousness, being mindful of the materials we use becomes imperative, not just for the planet's sake but for our well-being as well.

The perils of microplastics infiltrating our daily consumables extend beyond hot beverages. Recent revelations underscore that these minuscule plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, also contaminate everyday items like bottled beverages, meal takeout containers, and coffee packing cups.