Tea is a cherished beverage worldwide, celebrated for its flavor and health benefits. However, recent research highlights a hidden risk associated with tea bags that could harm human health and exacerbate plastic pollution.
The Study’s Alarming Findings
A study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), discovered that billions of plastic particles are released into tea during brewing. These particles originate from the tea bags, which are made from materials like polypropylene, nylon-6, and cellulose.
When exposed to hot water, tea bags release varying amounts of micro and nanoplastics. Polypropylene bags release approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter of tea, while cellulose and nylon-6 release 135 million and 8.18 million particles, respectively. These findings underscore the potential health risks of consuming tea prepared with such bags.
How Plastics Affect the Body
The researchers stained these plastic particles and studied their interaction with human intestinal cells. Within 24 hours, digestive cells, particularly those producing mucus, absorbed significant amounts of micro and nanoplastics. Alarmingly, some plastics even penetrated the cell nucleus, where genetic material is stored. This indicates that microplastics could be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various organs, raising concerns about their long-term impact on human health.
Implications for Health and the Environment
Nano-sized plastics can cross biological barriers and potentially disrupt cellular functions, including the mitochondria—critical energy producers in cells. According to study author, such disruptions may damage DNA and increase cancer risks. These findings highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics in everyday life, including simple actions like brewing tea.
Beyond health concerns, the release of plastics from tea bags contributes to global plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. Consumers can mitigate these risks by choosing loose-leaf tea or biodegradable tea bags.
A Call for Change
This research serves as a wake-up call to rethink our reliance on plastic products. By adopting eco-friendly choices, we can reduce exposure to microplastics and minimize their environmental footprint, making a simple cup of tea safer for both people and the planet.
Reference- BBC, National Geographic, Journal Chemosphere, Hindustan Times article