Can disposable paper cups leach microplastics, heavy metals, and ions into your drink?

What's actually in it

Disposable paper cups aren't just paper. They're lined with a thin layer of plastic (usually polyethylene) to make them waterproof. The cup may also contain inks, adhesives, and bleaching agents. When hot coffee, tea, or soup goes into the cup, the heat breaks down the plastic lining and pulls chemicals from the materials.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol tested disposable paper cups from the Turkish market and found microplastics, heavy metals, and ions leaching into liquids. Hot beverages released more contaminants than cold ones. The types of metals included lead, cadmium, and chromium.

People who buy coffee or tea in paper cups every day are getting a steady dose of these chemicals. The microplastics from the plastic lining add up alongside the metals from inks and adhesives.

Bring your own reusable stainless steel or ceramic travel mug to coffee shops. If you must use a disposable cup, let hot drinks cool slightly before sipping to reduce chemical migration. Avoid leaving hot drinks sitting in paper cups for long periods.