Never use plastic cups in the office!
[Introduction] Plastic cups are cheap and shatter-resistant, making them a favorite among office workers. However, according to a report by the American Huffington Post, it's best not to use plastic cups in the office.
Besides leaching chemicals when heated, plastic cups are also prone to bacterial growth. Although the surface of plastic may seem smooth, it actually has many pores that can easily trap dirt and grime. In an office setting, people often only rinse their cups with plain water, which doesn't provide a thorough cleaning and disinfection. Experts recommend using stainless steel or glass cups in the office, washing them daily with detergent and rinsing with hot water.
Additionally, cups can be affected by static electricity from computers, computer cases, and other devices, causing them to attract more dust, bacteria, and viruses. Over time, this can affect your health. Therefore, Lu Jianguo, Director of the Comprehensive Inspection Department at the National Household Appliance Quality Supervision and Inspection Center of China Household Electrical Appliances Research Institute, suggests that it's best to get a lid for your cup and keep it away from electronics like computers. You should also maintain good indoor air circulation by opening windows to let the dust blow away.
The best choice for a drinking cup should be a glass cup. Don't just think that glass cups are just clear and good-looking; among all materials, glass cups are the healthiest.
During the manufacturing process, glass cups do not contain any organic chemicals. When people drink water or other beverages from a glass cup, they don't have to worry about ingesting chemicals. Moreover, the glass surface is smooth and easy to clean, making it difficult for bacteria and dirt to breed on the walls. Therefore, drinking from a glass cup is the healthiest and safest option.
Additionally, experts also advocate for the use of enamel cups because they are made through a high-temperature vitrification process that does not contain harmful substances like lead, so they can be used with peace of mind.
Colorful ceramic cups are very popular, but in reality, the bright pigments hide great dangers, especially when the inner walls are glazed. When the cup is filled with boiling water or drinks with high acidity or alkalinity, toxic heavy metal elements like lead in these pigments can easily dissolve into the liquid. When people drink this liquid with chemicals, it can harm the body. Furthermore, plastic often contains plasticizers, which include some toxic chemicals. When using a plastic cup for hot water or boiling water, these toxic chemicals can easily leach into the water. Also, the internal microstructure of plastic has many pores that hide dirt, and if not cleaned thoroughly, it can easily breed bacteria. Therefore, experts remind that when choosing a plastic cup, be sure to select one made of food-grade plastic that meets national standards.