While using a Styrofoam cup one does not have any clue of the temperature of the liquid contained inside it.

In public places Styrofoam cups are used widely for dispensing tea and other hot beverages. The user’s perception of the temperature of the tea is governed by the temperature of the cup’s the outer surface. Styrofoam, however, being a good insulator “lies” about the actual temperature of the tea. Thus, when the user takes in the first sip, his tongue is scalded due to the contrast between the actual temperature and what his mental model suggested.

The chemical reaction between Styrofoam and hot liquid contained in it could also be harmful to person consuming this drink.

There should be a classification of the kind of cups to be used for liquids of different temperatures. Hot liquids can be served in containers made from some other material but Styrofoam.

Submitted by : Abhishek Bali, New Delhi, India