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A study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona warns about the invisible contamination caused by tea bags and its possible impacts on human health. Find out how this can affect you!
It may seem harmless enough: you heat up the water, put the tea bag in the cup, and wait for the perfect brew. But what you may not know is that those tea bags can leach a surprising amount of microplastics and nanoplastics into your brew. A recent study led by scientists from the Mutagenesis Group at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has revealed alarming details about this invisible contamination and its potential impact on human health.
What are microplastics and nanoplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter, while nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring up to 1 micrometer. These materials, derived from the degradation of larger plastics or released directly from products such as packaging and utensils, have become a growing concern for human health and the environment.
In the case of tea bags, researchers have found that many of them, made from materials like nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose, release a staggering amount of microplastics during the brewing process. And that’s not something we can ignore.
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Surprising amount of particles released
Scientists have observed that the brewing process releases millions, and even billions, of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the beverage. Here are the facts:
- Bags made of polypropylene release approximately 1,2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136,7 nanometers;
- Bags of cellulose release about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometers;
- Bags of nylon-6 release 8,18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138,4 nanometers.
These frightening numbers show that even the most relaxing time of the day can be a source of exposure to plastic contaminants.
What are the impacts of microplastics on human health?
Microplastics released by tea bags are not just an environmental problem. They also pose significant risks to human health. Researchers have now demonstrated for the first time that these particles can be absorbed by human intestinal cells.
In laboratory experiments, the particles were stained and exposed to human intestinal cells. The result? They were absorbed by the cells, with mucus-producing cells being the most absorbed.
Even more alarming, some of these particles have managed to penetrate into the cell nucleus, where the genetic material is located. This raises important questions about the long-term effects of chronic exposure to these contaminants.
Advanced study techniques
To better understand what is happening, scientists used cutting-edge analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These tools allowed to accurately characterize the particles released by the tea bags, something crucial to advance the understanding of its impacts.
What can be done?
Scientists from UAB and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig (Germany) highlight the importance of developing standardized methods to assess microplastic contamination in materials that come into contact with food. They also draw attention to the need for stricter regulatory policies to mitigate this problem.
Additionally, we bring It is vital that people are aware of the risks associated with tea bags and look for safer alternatives, such as teas sold loose or in packaging made from more sustainable materials.
Everyone’s role in reducing microplastics
While we wait for stronger regulations, small steps can make a big difference. Choosing products that prioritize sustainability and pushing manufacturers to adopt materials that are less harmful to health and the environment are ways to contribute.
After all, ensuring that something as simple as drinking tea is not a source of worry is something we all deserve.
For now, here’s a warning: that tea bag may contain more than just the flavor of your favorite infusion. Will you look at your next cup with different eyes?
