Plastic cups have become a common drinking tool in daily life due to their lightness, durability and low cost. However, when plastic cups are used under high temperature conditions, they may bring certain health risks. This article will discuss the materials of plastic cups, the impact of high temperature use, and how to use plastic cups safely.
Material of plastic cups
Plastic cups are usually made of the following materials:
- Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is a high-temperature resistant, non-toxic plastic material that is often used to make microwave heating containers and baby bottles. Polypropylene materials are considered safe within the normal use temperature range.
- Polystyrene (PS): Polystyrene may release harmful substances at high temperatures, so it is not recommended for hot drinks. However, when used at room temperature, polystyrene materials are relatively safe.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET materials are often used to make beverage bottles and have good chemical resistance and UV resistance. Under normal use conditions, PET materials are considered safe.
Although these materials are safe under normal conditions, they may release harmful substances under high temperature conditions, posing a potential threat to health.
The impact of high temperature use
1. Release of harmful substances: Plastic cups may release harmful substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), ethylene monomer, etc. under high temperature conditions. These substances may cause harm to human health, including carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, etc.
2. Material deformation: High temperature may cause plastic cups to deform or damage, thereby increasing the risk of release of harmful substances. In addition, if there are scratches or wear on the surface of the plastic cup, it may also increase the risk of release of harmful substances.
3. Food spoilage: Long-term use of plastic bottles to store wine, cooking oil, vinegar, etc., because the bottles will be aged by oxygen, ultraviolet rays, etc., can release ethylene monomer, which can easily cause the food in the bottle to spoil.
How to use plastic cups safely
1. Avoid high temperature: Try to avoid using plastic cups to hold high-temperature liquids, especially for polystyrene cups. High temperature may cause plastic materials to deform or release harmful substances.
2. Choose high-quality products: When purchasing plastic cups, you should choose products that meet national standards and avoid using inferior plastic cups. Inferior plastic cups may contain harmful chemicals such as plasticizers, which are harmful to health.
3. Regular replacement: Even if you use high-quality plastic cups, you should replace them regularly to avoid problems such as material aging and deformation caused by long-term use.
4. Pay attention to cleaning: When using plastic cups, you should pay attention to maintaining the integrity of the surface and avoid scratches or wear. At the same time, clean the plastic cups regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
In short, normal use of high-temperature resistant plastic cups for drinking water will not cause cancer, but if used improperly or there are quality problems, it may increase health risks. It is recommended to choose plastic cups that meet national standards and pay attention to proper use and maintenance.
