MAPUSA
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of health and the environment, a year-long awareness campaign was launched to address a growing and often overlooked threat – the use of paper cups for hot beverages. Spearheaded by the Mapusa Municipal Council in collaboration with DMC College and the Lions Club of Mapusa, the campaign highlights the serious dangers posed by microplastics leaching from these everyday disposables.
Coordinating the campaign, Dr Rajesh Pednekar sounded the alarm on the health risks of paper cups when used for hot beverages.
Drawing attention to a study conducted by IIT Kharagpur, Pednekar emphasized a startling revelation: “a person drinking just three cups of tea or coffee from disposable paper cups could end up ingesting around 75,000 microplastic particles.”
These microscopic invaders are not benign – the chemicals used in paper cups have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, hormonal imbalances and gut disorders.
“Microplastics, when ingested, have carcinogenic properties. These tiny particles can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to a host of related health problems,” said Pednekar.
“We are unknowingly putting our health at risk every time we use these seemingly harmless paper cups,” he added.
The dangers of microplastic ingestion cannot be overstated.
As Pednekar explained, when exposed to high temperatures, such as when filled with hot beverages, the inner plastic lining of paper cups begins to break down, releasing microplastic particles into the drink.
The campaign launch, hosted at the Mapusa Municipal Council, featured passionate speeches from community leaders dedicated to combating the threat of microplastics.
Mapusa Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar, who expressed her full support for the initiative, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the hidden dangers posed by disposable paper cups.
“This campaign is a step in the right direction toward safeguarding our community’s health. We must work together to eliminate the use of harmful products like paper cups, which silently contribute to serious health risks,” Bicholkar, who is a doctor by profession stated, assuring her commitment to the cause.
President of the Lions Club of Mapusa, Shreedhar Naik echoed these concerns. He described the issue as a “most neglected problem” and pledged the Lions Club’s full support in spreading the campaign across Goa.
The event also highlighted the involvement of DMC College, where Principal Dilip Arolkar discussed the institution’s numerous green initiatives aimed at linking education to real-world problems, such as the harmful effects of microplastics.
The campaign is not just about eliminating a single-use item – it’s about reducing the risk of serious health issues, such as cancer, and protecting the environment from further microplastic pollution.
