Recent research has revealed that tea bags may release a worrying amount of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water. A study conducted by McGill University in Canada found that a single tea bag could release up to 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoparticles into the drink. This occurs because many tea bags are manufactured using materials such as nylon and polyethylene terephthalate, which degrade when exposed to heat.
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Furthermore, a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) analysed various types of tea bags and discovered significant differences in the number of particles released. For instance, those made from polypropylene were found to release approximately 1.2 billion particles per millilitre of brewed tea. In contrast, cellulose-based tea bags released around 135 million particles per millilitre, while nylon-6 bags discharged up to 8.18 million particles per millilitre. These findings underscore the importance of assessing the materials used in tea bag production.
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Concerns have been raised regarding the potential health effects of ingesting these particles daily. While the long-term consequences remain uncertain, some studies indicate that prolonged exposure to microplastics may contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and even alterations in gut microbiota. Researchers continue to investigate the possible health implications to determine the risks associated with regular consumption of microplastic-contaminated tea.
