Microplastics in tea bags: A hidden health risk revealed
Many people have already ceased cooking rice in bags, but until now, it was not widely suspected that tea bags might also contain microplastics that infiltrate the body. It turns out that these seemingly unobtrusive packages release billions of pollutant particles per millilitre of tea. The Polish Press Agency presents research findings conducted by scientists in Barcelona.
Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona examined various types of tea products available in shops. Most commonly, tea leaves are packed in bags made of nylon, cellulose, and polypropylene. It was discovered that all these materials contain micro- and nanoplastics, which, in large quantities, are absorbed by the cells in the intestines.
Contamination of food with microplastics
The continuous increase in food production, ease of transport, and fast pace of life mean that both producers and consumers favour packaging that is easy and convenient to store and use. However, it is important to be aware that packaging in contact with food significantly affects its condition and quality. Especially under the influence of high temperature, microplastic particles seep through.
Microplastics in tea bags
Standard tea bags contain exceedingly large amounts of microplastics, counted in billions of particles. Bags made of polypropylene release the most harmful substances – about 1.2 billion particles per millilitre of tea. In cellulose packages, the microplastic count is significantly lower: 135 million, and in nylon – about 8 million particles. The scientists did not only examine the quantity of micro and nanoplastics but also assessed how these substances interact with intestinal cells.
How was the research conducted? Academics from Barcelona dyed the microplastic particles and exposed them to various types of intestinal cells. It emerged that the highest level of microplastic particle absorption was shown by mucus-producing cells. The pollutants even penetrated the cell nucleus.
Do all tea bags contain microplastics?
Most tea sachets from supermarkets do contain microplastics; however, bags made of cotton or paper are available on the market in smaller quantities and are not contaminated. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised even with paper or cotton bags.
Pay attention to the presence of additional substances such as dyes, bleaches, or chlorine. Natural products should have a quality certificate. Loose tea, brewed directly in the pot or cup, using ceramic or stainless steel infusers, is safe.
Development of research on food safety
Spanish researchers emphasize the significant risks associated with microplastics and stress the importance of establishing uniform testing procedures to evaluate micro- and nanoplastic contamination from food-contact plastics. They also advocate for implementing legal measures to effectively control and reduce this contamination. With the growing reliance on plastic in food packaging, they argue that proactive steps are essential to safeguard food safety and public health.
