New Health Concerns: From Microplastics to Hot Drinks

Following recent reports that linked microplastics to lung cancer, health experts are now turning their attention to other common habits that could affect our internal health. In September 2026, researchers presented findings at the European Respiratory Society Congress showing that patients with lung cancer had more plastic particles in their lungs than those without the disease. This discovery has sparked a wider conversation about the hidden risks in our daily environment.

Building on this focus on long-term health, new research from Oxford University has identified another potential danger: drinking beverages that are too hot. According to BBC Health, regularly drinking tea or coffee at very high temperatures may increase the risk of cancer in the food pipe, also known as the gullet. This type of cancer, called oesophageal cancer, is a serious condition that affects the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.

This study is the largest of its kind, looking at data from nearly a million people. The researchers found that people who drank their tea or coffee at "very hot" temperatures were three times more likely to develop this cancer compared to those who preferred warm drinks. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, defines any drink at 65 degrees Celsius or higher as "very hot." When liquid is this hot, it can physically damage the delicate lining of the food pipe as it travels down to the stomach.

While these findings might sound alarming, experts are quick to provide context. Fiona Osgun from Cancer Research UK noted that the overall risk of developing this specific type of cancer remains low for most people. She emphasized that the most important ways to lower the risk of this cancer are still to avoid smoking and to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed. Lifestyle choices like these have a much larger impact on health than the temperature of a morning coffee.

For those who enjoy a hot drink, the advice from researchers is simple: wait a few minutes. While it is difficult to suggest an exact time for a drink to cool down, the goal is to reach a temperature that feels comfortable to drink. Many people often drink coffee at temperatures that are much higher than what is considered safe. For example, some takeaway coffee shops serve drinks at over 82 degrees Celsius if a customer asks for it to be "extra hot," which is significantly higher than the recommended safe range.

This situation is similar to the ongoing investigation into microplastics. In both cases, scientists are working to understand how small, everyday exposures—whether it is breathing in tiny pieces of plastic or drinking very hot liquids—might lead to health problems over many years. Dr. Keren Papier, the lead researcher of the hot drinks study, explained that more research is necessary to identify the exact temperatures that cause the most harm. She also pointed to similar studies in South America, where people who drink a very hot herbal beverage called mate have shown higher rates of the same type of cancer.

As we learn more about these risks, the best approach is to be aware of our daily habits. Whether it is being careful about the air quality in our homes or letting a hot cup of tea sit for a moment before taking a sip, small changes can help protect our health. While we cannot always control the environment around us, we can make informed decisions about what we consume. As scientists continue to study the link between microplastics and lung health, as well as the impact of hot drinks on the food pipe, the public is encouraged to focus on proven health habits like not smoking and eating a balanced diet to keep their overall risk as low as possible.