Could your coffee lid be adding to your body’s toxic burden?

Next time you get your coffee to-go, check the lid to see what type of plastic it is made. Different plastics are more heat stable than others, and therefore pose less of a risk of leaching toxic chemicals into your drink.

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Most times, people don’t think about the lid. But consider this, the hot beverage is steaming inside the cup, heating up the lid. The steam then condenses on the underside of the lid and drips back into your beverage. Additionally, you are drinking through the hole in the lid. The hot beverage contacts the underside of the lid and allows leaching of the toxic chemicals back into your beverage.
What can you do?
​ Two things:

1. ​Check the plastic number on the lid, the number with the triangle made of arrows around it. If it is a 5, you are good to go. This is a plastic made of Polypropylene and is the safest option of the to-go lids. If it is a 6, run for the hills. This type of plastic is Polystyrene. According to the Foundation for Achievements in Science and Education fact sheet, long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
2. Purchase your own reusable mug! This gives you control over what your body is exposed to and is better for the environment!

Of course, your best option is to choose glass for your hot food and beverages. But in a fast paced world, if you are going to go, to-go, the better bet is Plastic 5.