Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Very hot beverages (above 65 °C)
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2A — probably carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Drunk. Tea, coffee, soup, mate, or other beverages consumed above 65 °C (149 °F). The temperature is what matters, not the drink — letting it cool reduces this exposure.
Summary
Drinking beverages at very high temperatures is associated with increased esophageal cancer risk.
Detail
IARC classifies the consumption of very hot beverages (above 65 °C / 149 °F) as Group 2A for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The classification is about temperature, not the drink itself — tea or coffee at moderate temperatures has not been associated with increased risk.
What's not established
This classification reflects limited evidence in humans, often paired with stronger evidence in animals. It does not establish how strong the human evidence would look on its own, a safe exposure threshold, or your personal risk from a given level of exposure.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
IARC
IARC Monographs — Classifications by Cancer Site, Vols 1–140
Supporting sources
ACS
ACS — Known and Probable Human Carcinogens
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK — Causes of cancer and reducing your risk
NTP
NTP — Report on Carcinogens (US National Toxicology Program)
WCRF/AICR
WCRF/AICR — Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective (Third Expert Report)
WCRF/AICR
WCRF — Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.