A recent study conducted by the UAB Department of Genetics and Microbiology, part of the European project PlasticHeal, has revealed alarming levels of microplastics released from polymer-based tea bags during brewing.

The research found that polypropylene tea bags release approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, while cellulose bags release about 135 million particles, and nylon-6 bags release 8.18 million particles per milliliter.

Despite these findings, the long-term health effects of chronic exposure to microplastics from tea bags remain unclear, necessitating further research.

Nevertheless, tea is recognized for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties and support for heart health, digestion, and weight loss, despite potential risks from microplastics.

One researcher highlighted the importance of understanding the pathways and effects of these particles in the human body, raising questions about their health implications.

Researchers emphasize the urgent need for standardized testing methods to assess micro and nanoplastics contamination from food contact materials and advocate for regulatory policies to mitigate this issue.

These findings underscore the growing concern over environmental micro and nanoplastics and their potential health effects.

The study is notable for demonstrating that microplastics can be absorbed by human intestinal cells, with some particles entering the nucleus, potentially disrupting genetic processes.

Laboratory tests showed that while mucus-producing intestinal cells absorbed plastic particles, there was no measurable damage or increase in reactive oxygen species production.

As plastic waste pollution continues to pose significant environmental and health challenges, food packaging is identified as a major source of micro and nanoplastic contamination.

To minimize microplastic exposure, consumers are advised to choose loose-leaf tea, use paper or fabric tea bags, brew with filtered water, and avoid squeezing tea bags.

While cellulose is more abundant in nature and our bodies can process it, the health effects of nylon and polypropylene particles remain uncertain.