Brewing tea bags releases millions of plastic particles

You might think of tea as a soothing, calming ritual. But scientists at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) have made a startling discovery: infusing tea with commercially available tea bags could lead to billions of nano and microplastics ending up in your cup.

Recent research from the Mutagenesis Group in the UAB Department of Genetics and Microbiology shows how polymer-based tea bags release microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs) when brewed.

The study showed for the first time that these particles can be absorbed by human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body.

Source of plastics in tea bags

Food packaging contributes significantly to micro and nanoplastic pollution. Humans are exposed to these particles primarily through inhalation and ingestion.

This new study focuses on the significant release of MNPLs from commercially available tea bags when used to prepare an infusion.

The researchers found alarming levels of contamination:

• Polypropylene released around 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers.
• Cellulose released 135 million particles per milliliter, an average of 244 nanometers.
• Nylon-6 released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, an average of 138.4 nanometers.

These results highlight the importance of recognizing and reducing plastic pollution from everyday items such as tea bags.

Analysis of plastic particles in tea bags

To characterize these particles, researchers used advanced analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).

Using these methods, the team was able to study the structure, size and behavior of the particles in detail.

“We have succeeded in characterizing these pollutants in an innovative way using a range of state-of-the-art techniques. This is a very important tool to advance research into their potential effects on human health,” explained UAB researcher Alba Garcia.

Health Benefits of Tea

First of all, tea is full of antioxidants, which help your body fight off harmful free radicals. These antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Additionally, different types of tea such as green, black and oolong tea contain unique compounds that support brain health, improve concentration and reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Drinking a cup of tea can be an easy way to improve your overall health and keep your mind sharp.

Another great benefit of drinking tea is that it can help relax and reduce stress. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint are known for their calming effects, making them perfect for relaxing after a long day.

Even caffeinated teas, when enjoyed in moderation, can provide a gentle boost of energy without the jitters that coffee might cause.

Additionally, tea can aid digestion and promote a healthy metabolism, which is beneficial if you want to maintain your weight or lose weight.

Human risks from plastics in tea

The team investigated for the first time how MNPLs interact with human intestinal cells. To achieve this, they stained the particles to track their movement and exposed them to different types of intestinal cells in the laboratory.

The study found that mucus-producing intestinal cells absorbed the largest amount of these plastic particles from tea bags.

This was a significant finding because these cells play a protective role in the gut. Even more alarming was the observation that some particles managed to penetrate the nucleus, the part of the cell where genetic material is stored and regulated.

This discovery raises serious concerns about the long-term health effects of MNPL exposure. When these particles reach the cell nucleus, they can interfere with cellular functions or genetic processes, potentially causing harmful consequences over time.

The researchers also found that intestinal mucus plays a key role in getting the particles into cells. This finding suggests that individuals who are frequently exposed to MNPLs – for example from food or beverage packaging – may be at cumulative risk.

Chronic exposure could have far-reaching health effects, highlighting the need for further research and preventive measures.

Calls for regulation and policy changes

The results highlight the urgent need for regulatory measures to minimize MNPL contamination in food packaging.

“It is critical to develop standardized testing methods to assess MNPL contamination released from plastic food contact materials and to formulate regulatory policies to effectively mitigate and minimize this contamination,” noted Alba Garcia and her team.

“As the use of plastic in food packaging continues to increase, it is important to address contamination from MNPLs to ensure food safety and protect public health.”

This research into contamination in tea bags highlights the urgent need to prioritize food safety in the face of increasing plastic consumption.

By understanding and addressing microplastic and nanoplastic contamination, we can help protect public health and the environment.

Make informed product decisions

This study sheds light on a hidden source of plastic pollution that impacts everyday life. When tea drinkers around the world drink from polymer-based tea bags, they unknowingly expose themselves to billions of plastic particles.

The impact on human health is alarming, but this research provides a critical foundation for future studies and regulations.

Making informed decisions about the products we use and supporting actions to reduce plastic pollution are essential steps towards a safer, healthier future.

The study is published in the journal Chemosphere.

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