Concerned about microplastics in your tea? Trade in plastic-containing tea bags for nontoxic tea infusers

Yahoo

29-01-2025

Nothing beats unwinding with a soothing cup of tea, but the peace of mind your warm drink brings may be a little less pronounced given new research that suggests certain tea bags could be steeping millions (or even billions) of microplastics straight into your drink.
"This study reveals that a significant number of tiny plastic particles, known as micro- and nanoplastic particles, can be released from commercially available tea bags," explains Li Li, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences. The researchers tested tea bags made from polypropylene, nylon and cellulose, discovering considerable plastic particle release across all three types of bags, with polypropylene bags shedding the most.
The health implications of ingesting these particles are still under investigation. As such, Li emphasizes the importance of interpreting these findings cautiously: "The study shows that micro- and nanoplastic particles could stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine, but it does not show whether these particles could pass through the intestinal lining and eventually enter the bloodstream." This suggests that while particles can interact with certain cells, further research is required to understand their impact throughout the body.
Adding to this, Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, reflects on the wider implications, saying, "The findings in this study certainly are cause for concern, and they help shed light on an issue that has been discussed more over the past few years. The study shows how the issue of microplastics is not irrelevant to our daily lives and that more attention must be paid to how people are commonly exposed to them."
Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at Earthday.org and former director of the organization's End Plastics Initiatives, agrees, adding, "Like all news and reports about plastic, it should be a concern for everyone. Especially as tea is the world's second most popular drink after water." He explains that plastic can be made from over 16,000 chemicals combined with oil, creating countless potentially harmful variations. Many of these chemicals remain unnamed or undisclosed due to trade secret protections. "Plastics have gone largely unregulated and understudied for so long that we have forgotten to ask enough questions. But now the scientific community is paying much more attention," he notes. He explains that we're consuming microplastics and the additive chemicals that leach from them through our drinks and food — adding that most of the time, the plastics come from the packaging, like single-use plastic bottles or, in this case, the tea bag itself.
So, what does this mean for your daily brew? For tea enthusiasts, the thought of microplastics swirling in a seemingly innocent cup of tea is obviously concerning — and it raises a multitude of questions about how plastics are infiltrating our everyday lives. But don't ditch your favorite tea just yet. You can enjoy a cuppa with peace of mind by opting for loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from natural, biodegradable materials. As scientists continue to uncover the risks of microplastics, small changes in habits can go a long way toward reducing exposure. So, how can you make your next cup of tea safer? Keep reading to find out.
The new research has drawn attention to the unsettling presence of microplastics in tea bags, raising concerns about health risks. Li explains, "The researchers soaked 300 tea bags in hot water at about 95°C while stirring at 750 revolutions per minute. They found between 8.18 million and 1.2 billion nanosized plastic particles per milliliter of this hot water." He adds that this isn't the first time tea bags have been linked to releasing micro- and nanoplastic particles. Earlier studies found even more significant amounts, on the scale of billions of particles, being released from plastic tea bags into hot water.
It's not just the presence of these particles that's concerning, but what happens after you consume them. The researchers in the most recent study found that these plastic particles may stick to or even enter the cells that make up the lining of the human intestine. Yet it's unknown what happens next. The study didn't find evidence of these particles crossing into the bloodstream, but this possibility requires further investigation.
The health effects of these particles remain uncertain. Le highlights that microplastics as a whole can interact with human cells, potentially altering gene expression through chemicals leached from the plastic, which can act as endocrine disruptors. "This altering of gene expression can cause a myriad of issues," he says, with possible links to cancers, digestive conditions and neurological disorders.
Building on this concern, Charron emphasizes the broader health risks associated with total microplastic exposure (not just from a single source, like tea bags, but from all areas of life). "We don't know what the plastics from tea drinking are doing to us right now, as this is all such new research. But we do know there is a growing list of disorders and diseases that are associated with the ingestion of other types of microplastic and their chemicals: cancers, heart attacks, strokes, neurological issues including Alzheimer's and dementia, behavioral issues, decreased fertility, increased risks of miscarriage, to name just a few."
Their combined insights emphasize the need for further research into the impact of microplastics on health, a challenge compounded by their widespread presence. Charron points out, "Consuming less plastic should be everyone's priority, but it is not easy to avoid because it is so pervasive."
While the presence of microplastics in tea bags might initially seem alarming, it's crucial to put the findings into context. Li highlights that the study focused solely on counting the number of microplastic particles released into hot water. However, toxicologists often rely on additional data, such as the total weight of these particles or their size distribution, to assess the potential for harm. These metrics help determine safe exposure levels by considering how the body interacts with different sizes and concentrations of particles. Without this crucial information, it's impossible to accurately gauge whether the microplastic levels released from tea bags pose a notable health risk.
Furthermore, while the study found that these tiny particles could stick to or even enter the cells lining the human intestine, it stopped short of showing whether they can pass through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. This distinction is critical because particles that enter the bloodstream can circulate throughout the body, impacting various organs or systems. While the findings suggest an interaction with intestinal cells, their broader implications for human health remain unknown and require further investigation to understand the long-term risks.
Still, it's understandable to feel concerned, especially when considering vulnerable groups. Le points out that children, pregnant individuals and those with chronic illnesses or a history of cancer may be more vulnerable to the potential risks associated with microplastics. These populations may face higher risks due to their increased sensitivity to environmental exposures, making it especially important to minimize exposure where possible.
Charron highlights that children, in particular, are uniquely at risk — not just because of their developing bodies but also because of behaviors that increase exposure. For example, when crawling on the ground, they inhale household dust, which often contains microplastics. Additionally, children frequently chew on plastic teethers, bottles and other objects, further increasing their intake of plastic particles and harmful chemicals.
While the science continues to evolve, taking small, practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure is a precaution worth considering. Switching to loose-leaf tea or biodegradable tea bags is a practical and precautionary measure for concerned consumers.
If the idea of sipping on microplastics has you rethinking your tea habits, don't worry — plenty of simple swaps can help you enjoy your favorite brew with peace of mind. Here are some of our favorites.
If you favor the convenience of "just brew and go" tea bags, you'll be glad to know several brands now offer plastic-free options. These eco-friendly tea bags are typically made from biodegradable materials like plant-based fibers, cornstarch or unbleached paper — and they skip the polypropylene seal found in traditional bags. Here are some leading options.
Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at Earthday.org
Li Li, PhD, associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno who specializes in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences
Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist, food engineer, food industry consultant and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.