Tea bags have long been a staple for tea lovers, offering a quick and convenient way to brew a soothing cup. However, beneath this convenience lies a hidden health risk—commercial tea bags, often made from polymer-based materials such as nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose, release millions of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPL) into the water during brewing.
Shocking Findings: Millions of Particles in Every Brew
According to a recent study by the Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the issue is far more serious than most people realize. When immersed in hot water, polypropylene-based tea bags release approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, while nylon-6 bags shed around 8.18 million particles per milliliter. Moreover, even cellulose, often considered a safer alternative, releases about 135 million particles per milliliter. These particles, ranging in size from 136 to 244 nanometers, are small enough to be absorbed by intestinal cells. Consequently, they may enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, raising significant health concerns.
Beyond Tea Bags: Widespread MNPL Contamination
Furthermore, MNPL contamination is not confined to tea bags alone. Food packaging has also been identified as a significant source of these harmful particles. In fact, ingestion and inhalation are the two primary routes through which humans are exposed to microplastics. While research into the long-term effects is ongoing, early evidence suggests that microplastics may cause damage to human cells.
MNPL pollution is a growing environmental and health concern. While the long-term effects of ingesting these particles are still under investigation, studies suggest potential harm to human cells. Therefore, addressing this growing problem is becoming increasingly urgent.
