London: A recent international cancer seminar in London highlighted a concerning health risk—drinking tea or cool drinks from paper cups. Over 100 scientists at the seminar unanimously agreed that paper cups contain hazardous chemicals that could contribute to cancer, raising alarms about their widespread use, even among educated individuals in India.
Experts expressed disappointment over the lack of government intervention in addressing this issue. They pointed out that while authorities actively promote AIDS prevention by distributing condoms, no such efforts are being made to curb cancer risks from daily-use items like paper cups.
Scientists urged people to visit paper manufacturing units to witness the unhygienic conditions firsthand. They revealed that contaminated water from sewage canals is often used in production, with storage tanks filled with algae, bacteria, and even remains of dead rodents. The raw materials undergo excessive processing, including stomping and grinding, using nearly 15 different chemicals, many of which are toxic acids.
To maintain the paper’s structure, manufacturers coat the cups with plastic-based adhesive chemicals like Fevicol. When hot beverages are poured into these cups, harmful chemicals leach into the drink, posing a severe health risk. Experts advise switching to safer alternatives like steel or ceramic cups.
