For tea enthusiasts, the comforting ritual of brewing a cup may come with an unwelcome surprise: many commercial tea bags are made from plastic, potentially compromising your health. A study released in December 2024 by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) revealed that plastic tea bags release millions of microplastics and nanoplastics when steeped in hot water. At brewing temperature, a single plastic tea bag can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into your cup.
Microplastics are tiny particles that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed, and pose serious health risks such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, and potential long-term health concerns. These plastics also contribute to environmental damage, particularly harming marine life when consumed by sea creatures.
Synthetic fibres like nylon, PET, and polypropylene are commonly used in modern tea bags due to their durability and heat resistance. However, these materials begin to break down under hot water, leaching microplastics into your tea. This poses an alarming risk, as even a single steeped tea bag can significantly contaminate the beverage.
While the Tea Association of the USA acknowledges concerns over microplastics, it claims the current level of exposure is unlikely to pose an immediate health threat, though long-term effects are still being researched.
To minimize exposure, consider switching to loose leaf tea or opting for biodegradable tea bags made from natural materials like paper, cotton, or hemp. These eco-friendly alternatives offer a safer, healthier option for tea lovers.
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