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Do you know? with every sip of coffee, you are sipping wax
Posted on: 17/Nov/2017 1:08:16 PM
Do you know that every time you sip a cup of coffee or tea from a paper cup, you are consuming a certain amount of wax into your stomach? All the paper cups in use have a slight layer of wax coating in the inner surface to prevent percolation of liquid through it. Say, a hot liquid such as coffee is poured into the cup, it slowly melts down the cup and starts getting mixed with the beverage.
According to experts, whatever is the wax content you consume this way, the stomach acid tends to flush it out. In case of consumption of large amount of wax, it may slowly get accumulated and lead to obstruction in the intestine. Compared to wax-coated paper cups, the plastic counterparts are even more dangerous, as they start releasing polymers on pouring hot liquid.
What do scientists have to say?
At the time of manufacturing, a layer of wax is sprayed on the cups. In order to increase the durability of cups and hinder absorption of liquid, polythene and paraffin are used.
There are preset guidelines for paper cup manufacturing. This includes targeted thickness of wax layer, no release of any kind of toxic liquid when soaked in water, etc. Sadly, most of the manufacturers fail to abide by the quality standards, and the produces are sent to the retail outlets without passing through the quality check procedures, say scientists.
Words from gastroenterologists
Similar to the wax coating given on fruits like apples, there is a layer of wax coating given to paper cups as well. Wax doesn’t get dissolved. When it is consumed in high quantities, it may result in bloating, fullness or gas. These wax deposits get accumulated in the stomach and stay there, hindering the intestinal activities. Unfortunately, only when the intake is extremely high, it results in medical conditions, putting the trouble to the limelight of the victim. When it is in minor amount, our body will naturally discard it, but long-term consumption can lead to problems.
In general, these paper cups are widely used in hawkers, public gatherings, hawkers, private parties, and so on. As we pour hot liquid like a beverage into the cup, the wax coating starts melting and it will mix up with the liquid. The minor amount of wax can be discarded just with stomach acids, but when the amount is more, it can lead to troubles!
