An investigation of selected monoaromatic hydrocarbons released from the surface of polystyrene lids used in coffee-to-go cups

Abstract

A consumer trend towards the fast preparation of beverages has increased the popularity of hot beverages (especially coffee and tea) available in disposable containers called coffee-to-go cups with fitted polystyrene lids. Lids in contact with hot beverages may release low molecular weight organic compounds into the gaseous phase causing direct exposure of consumers to these compounds during drinking.The paper describes in detail an analytical procedure that provides the opportunity to obtain reliable analytical information on the emission rates of selected compounds from the monoaromatic hydrocarbons released from 8 types of polystyrene lids used in disposable coffee-to-go cups. Samples were conditioned at 40°C and 80°C using the microscale stationary emission chamber (μ-CTE™ 250). The average total amounts of detected monoaromatic hydrocarbons released from lids made of white, black and brown polystyrene were, respectively: (i) 1253±401ng/g, 994±74ng/g, and 573±85ng/g at 40°C; (ii) 3219±1865ng/g, 2140±238ng/g, and 1306±174ng/g at 80°C.