Dubai: The use of cheap plastic cups made of rigid polystyrene to serve tea and other hot beverages pose a serious health hazard, said an expert.
"The US Environmental Protection Agency has found negative health effects in people exposed to high levels of styrene," said Professor P. Vincent Hegarty, Dean of the College of Food and Agriculture at the UAE University in Al Ain.
The plastic cups used to serve tea in cafeterias and restaurants contain styrene.
The Dubai Municipality has banned the use of plastic cups in the emirate with effect from May 3 after conducting laboratory tests.
Professor Hegarty said short term high exposure to styrene can cause depression, loss of concentration, weakness, fatigue and nausea, while high intake over many years can cause cancer, liver and nerve damage.
"The action of the Municipality to prohibit the use of plastic cups in serving hot beverages is wise," he said.
