Teabags release billions of microplastics and nanoplastics that end up in your body: Study

For many of us dipping a tea bag into a steaming cup of water is more than just a routine, it’s a comforting ritual that awakens the senses and helps us start the day on a bright note. However, in a shocking revelation, a recent study has found that polymer-based tea bags could release billions of nanoplastics and microplastics into your cup, which could enter the bloodstream, spread through the body, and be absorbed by your intestinal cells.
Tiny microplastics and nanoplastics could be lurking in the air we breathe, and finding their way into unimaginable parts of the human body be it brain, heart, kidney or testicles, many studies done in the past have proved.
A recent study from the Mutagenesis Group in the UAB Department of Genetics and Microbiology demonstrates how polymer-based tea bags release microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs) upon interacting with hot water during the process of brewing and this may perturb many tea lovers.The new study, conducted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona and published in the journal Chemosphere, for the first time has found out that these tiny particles can be absorbed by human intestinal cells, and spread to many parts of the body.
In the said study, the tea bags made from the polymers nylon-6, polypropylene and cellulose were used. When polypropylene was used to brew the tea, it released approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres. In case of cellulose, about 135 million particles per milliliter were released, with an average size of 244 nanometres. Nylon-6 released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres.

“We have managed to innovatively characterize these pollutants with a set of cutting-edge techniques, which is a very important tool to advance research on their possible impacts on human health,” explained UAB researcher Alba Garcia.
Scientists stained the microparticles and exposed them to various cells from a human intestine, to examine how they might interact with mucus-producing intestinal cells.
After 24 hours, a specific type of digestive cell that produces mucus in the intestines had absorbed considerable amounts of micro and nanoplastics. The plastics had even entered the nucleus of some of these cells, where genetic material lies. This is especially alarming as it may mean that microplastics could significantly affect genetic processes, potentially causing harmful outcomes over time.
This showed that digestive mucus may have an important role in absorbing micro and nanoplastics into the body before they are transported into the bloodstream and other body parts.
People who are constantly exposed to food or drink packaging may face cumulative risks over a period of time.
Most teabags are made from paper, but it uses small amount of plastic to seal them shut. Hoever, multiple brands switched to using greater amounts of plastic mesh for their product based n the design that helps in tea infusion and many paper tea bags now use plastic fibers as a sealant to keep aid the steeping process. Other sources of microplastics in tea include: dilution-production water, packaging, and contaminated tea leaves

What are microplastics

Microplastics are very small particles of plastics that come from a variety of sources. Sometimes larger plastic debris degrade into smaller pieces, other times, manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes. These microplastics can end up in ocean and Great Lakes posing a threat to aquatic life. Many studies have found evidence of their accumulation in organs like brain, liver, kidney etc. Consuming tea from plastic tea bags can also lead to behavioral, developmental, and reproductive health issues.
Nanoplastics are everywhere and bottled water is no exception. In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a staggering 2,40,000 plastic fragments, up to 100 times more microplastics than previously thought, was found in a bottle of water. Around 90 per cent of these tiny plastic bits were nanoplastics – particles that are less than a micron in size and can be absorbed into human cells and tissue, as well as cross the blood-brain barrier.

How to prevent microplastic exposure from tea

Tea lovers need not be disappointed as they can avoid the threat of microplastics by following these simple tips:
Opt for tea leaves: One can use loose-leaf tea instead of dipping tea bags in hot water to avoid microplastic exposure.
Choose paper or fabric tea bags: If using tea bags, select those made from natural materials like paper or cotton, which are less likely to release microplastics.
Brew with filtered water: Use filtered water to minimize additional contaminants like microplastics in your tea.
Minimize tea bag handling: Reduce the exposure by not squeezing or tearing tea bags, which can release microplastics into your cup.

Benefits of tea

Rich in antioxidants: Tea contains powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall health.
Boosts heart health: Regular tea consumption is linked to improved heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.
Improves digestion: Herbal teas, like ginger and peppermint, can soothe digestive issues and promote a healthy gut.
Enhances focus and alertness: The caffeine and amino acid L-theanine in tea can help improve concentration and mental clarity.
Supports weight loss: Green tea, in particular, can aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and fat-burning processes.
It is important to steer clear of plastic packaging and opt for glass and other safe materials that reduce risk of plastic contamination. Do not give plastic toys and objects to children who can put them in their mouths.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)