Drinking just one cup of tea brewed in a single-serving bag may expose you to billions of microplastic particles, which have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart problems, fertility issues, and certain cancers.
Researchers tested disposable tea bags made from common materials like nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose. All of these tea bags released microplastics. Polypropylene was the worst offender, releasing about 1.2 billion particles of microplastics per milliliter (mL) of tea water. Cellulose released roughly 135 million particles per mL, while nylon-6 released about 8.2 million particles per mL.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are too tiny to detect in daily life. Microplastics are less than 5 micrometers in size, thousands of times smaller than a grain of rice, and nanoplastics are below 1 micrometer. They are ubiquitous, found in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Concerns regarding exposure to microplastics in tea have arisen, as this field of science is still developing. Much of the existing evidence is based on laboratory experiments and animal studies. There is growing concern about the potential health impacts of ingesting microplastics, particularly their effects on the gut microbiome, hormonal system, inflammation, and cancer risk.
Although this research area is active, the full effects of microplastics in the body are not fully understood. Experts recommend minimizing exposure through regular tea consumption to avoid potential accumulation in the body over time.
To reduce exposure to microplastics in tea, consider switching to loose-leaf tea. This method effectively minimizes exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, as it eliminates the risk of plastic contamination from tea bags. Using stainless steel or glass infusers is advisable, or you can brew loose tea in a kettle and strain it afterward.
If you prefer disposable tea bags, look for plastic-free options. Organic tea does not automatically guarantee that the tea bags are free of plastics, so seek brands that specifically advertise plastic-free or biodegradable tea bags made from plant-based materials like paper, hemp, or cornstarch.
Additionally, avoid microwaving hot water with a disposable tea bag in the cup, as some studies suggest that this method increases the release of microplastics.
