Microplastics, once seen as an unseen environmental problem, have become a clear reality in our lives. These tiny particles, less than five millimeters long, are found in the air we breathe, in rivers and oceans, and in plants and animals. Recent studies have alarmingly confirmed their presence in human blood, brains, and even reproductive organs. This raises serious concerns about how much exposure we have and the long-term health effects.
A major way microplastics enter the human body is through the drinks we have every day. Earlier studies mainly focused on microplastics in tap water and bottled water. However, new research from the University of Birmingham has uncovered a more troubling source: hot drinks. The study tested 155 popular beverages and founDisposable cups, often used to serve these drinks, were identified as the main source of this contamination.
The results are shocking. Hot tea had an average of 4,981 microplastic particles per liter, while hot coffee had 2,957 particles per liter. Cold drinks also showed significant levels: cold tea had 2,438 particles per liter, cold coffee 3,143, fruit juice 1,941, energy drinks 1,436, and soda 1,321. Comparisons with water samples tested in 2024—tap water (2,456 MPs per liter) and bottled water (2,648 MPs per liter)—show that beverages, especially hot ones, often expose consumers to much higher levels of microplastics than we previously thought.
The study also found that branded tea bags, often marketed as premium products, release more plastic than expected—between 24 and 30 particles per cup. Disposable cups added about 22 particles per cup, revealing how packaging materials directly increase human exposure. These findings highlight a serious issue: everyday practices, particularly the use of single-use plastics, are silently fueling this problem.
From a scientific viewpoint, the implications are significant. Professor Mohamed Abdallah, co-author of the research, pointed out that focusing only on water gives a false sense of understanding regarding microplastic exposure. Since tea, coffee, juices, and sodas are consumed worldwide in vast amounts, the total intake of microplastics through drinks is likely much higher than what water alone would indicate. This calls for more research and thorough risk assessments to fully understand the health dangers posed by daily consumption.
The presence of microplastics in beverages is not just a scientific issue; it is also a policy challenge. Governments and international organizations need to consider laws to regulate single-use plastics, improve packaging standards, and promote safer alternatives. Without these changes, the public will continue to be exposed to microplastics through everyday habits like drinking tea or coffee.
The research highlights a pressing reality: microplastics are no longer just an environmental issue; they have become a part of our daily consumption. As millions of people start their day with tea or coffee, they may unknowingly ingest thousands of microplastic particles. We need urgent global action to tackle this hidden health threat. This requires combining scientific research, environmental policy, and public awareness. Only then can we begin to limit the widespread spread of microplastics and protect human health for the future.
Article by : Ruwanthika Sandali
