In the festive season of Christmas and new year, we use disposable paper cups for serving drinks at parties. They are OK as far as serving soft drinks like coke and juices but when it comes to serving tea and coffee, they are potentially harmful.
These disposable cups have become quite popular in office pantries due to the convenience they offer. They are cheap and can be thrown away after use, avoiding the need for washing up. What many overlook is the fact that these paper cups are coated with a tiny layer of wax, which is essential to prevent water from seeping into the paper. When very hot liquids are poured into this cup, wax may disintegrate and a little may come off, which will promptly be sent along with the drink into our stomachs!
While our body can discard minor amounts, over the long-term, it does become a problem after repeated use. So what can be done about it?
Try taking your own glass cups at functions. Glass is one of the least reactive materials in the world (acids are stored in glass vessels, blood samples are collected in glass plates – these are for a good reason). But glass does have the problem of breaking easily, so it requires good care.
Ceramic cups are the best bet. One can also use ordinary stainless steel glass, but never use plastic ones – they are harmful, and the dangers are even worse than the wax.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
