Tea bags release billions of microplastics into our bodies
A new study by researchers from Spain has found that an individual tea bag, when heated, can release billions of micro plastic and Nanoplastic particles into the water they’re dunked into.
Hyderabad: In today’s world microplastic menace has become a major health hazard for people. Whether through bottled water or table salt, microplastics have invaded human tissues, according to a recent study.
A new study conducted by Spanish researchers has found that a tea bags can release billions of microplastics and nanoplastic particles into the hot water, in which these bags are dipped. Using a set of cutting-edge technology of laser, they captured how tea bags release micro and nano plastics into the hot water.
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For the study, the researchers tested three types of tea bags. Tea bags made from polypropylene were found to be releasing about 1.2 billion particles per millilitre, averaging 136.7 nanometres in size. Those made from cellulose released around 135 million particles per millilitre, around 244 nanometres in size. And nylon-6 teabags released 8.18 million particles per millilitre, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres in size.
The study also found that the absorption rate of these micro and nanoparticles in the human body is much higher. Within 24 hours of consumption, they reached the nucleus of the intestinal cells.
Scientists say that longtime exposure of these particles in the gut may lead to inflammatory bowel disease and affect body immunity.
Though many companies have claimed that paper is used instead of plastic for manufacturing a tea bag, it still contains plastic at low levels, to give a standard shape to the bag.
To lower the risk of microplastic exposure, tea enthusiasts can opt for loose leaf-based tea instead of polymer-based tea bags. They can also brew their tea using filtered water or use completely paper or cotton-based tea bags.
