A recent study conducted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) revealed alarming levels of microplastic and nanoplastic particles released from commonly used teabags. According to research published in the journal Chemosphere, a single teabag can release approximately 1.2 billion micro- and nanoplastic particles into each milliliter of water when brewed. This finding raises concerns about a hidden source of plastic pollution in everyday life.
The study focused on teabags made from three different materials: nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose. Researchers discovered that these bags release immense numbers of particles when immersed in hot water. Polypropylene teabags were identified as the largest emitter among the materials tested, releasing approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, averaging 136.7 nanometers in size, as reported by Science Alert.
Cellulose teabags, often perceived as a more natural option, were not exempt from contributing to microplastic pollution. The research indicated that cellulose teabags released about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometers. This poses health risks despite the material being considered more eco-friendly, according to Earth.com. Nylon-6 teabags typically released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, averaging 138.4 nanometers in size, which is fewer than the other materials tested, as noted by Earth.com.
To analyze the particles generated during brewing, the UAB team employed techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. These methods allowed the scientists to collect detailed information on the pollution of the beverage, including the number, size, and composition of the particles released during infusion, as reported by Earth.com.
"We have managed to innovatively characterize these pollutants with a set of cutting-edge techniques, which is a very important tool to advance research on their possible impacts on human health," said Alba Garcia, a researcher at the UAB, according to a report by ndtv.com.
The study also explored how these microplastics and nanoplastics interact with human intestinal cells. After 24 hours, a specific type of digestive cell that produces mucus in the intestines absorbed considerable amounts of micro and nanoplastics. This indicates the key role of digestive mucus in this process, as reported by Boing Boing. Some particles were detected entering the cell nucleus, where genetic material resides, posing possible biological risks and potential interference with cellular functions, according to Real Life.
Researchers warn that once absorbed, microplastic and nanoplastic particles can reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, raising concerns about their potential health effects. These include oxidative stress, toxic chemical release, microbiome disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects, as reported by ndtv.com. "The results show that these teabags are a significant source of microplastic contamination," Garcia stated, as reported by Milenio.
Ricardo Marcos Dauder, one of the authors of the study, expressed concern over the widespread presence of microplastics. "Tea bags are just one example of one particular route of exposure to these micro-nanoplastics, but there are thousands of ways we can be exposed," he said, according to Mail Online.
The findings underscore the need for further research into the effects of chronic exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics on human health, particularly regarding long-term impacts and potential health problems. As reported by Earth.com, the researchers urge the implementation of stricter regulatory policies to effectively mitigate and minimize micro and nanoplastic contamination in food packaging.
"Making informed choices about the products we use and supporting policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution are essential steps toward ensuring a safer, healthier future," Earth.com reported. The UAB study highlights the pressing need to prioritize food safety in the face of rising plastic use, raising questions about the safety of plastic materials that come into contact with food.
In light of these findings, researchers advise using loose-leaf tea, paper teabags, or fabric teabags to minimize exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics, as these alternatives release fewer harmful particles. Brands like Pukka and Neal’s Yard offer PLA and plastic-free teabags in a variety of flavors, providing consumers with safer options, according to Real Life.
The extent of microplastic pollution is not limited to human consumption. The accumulation of these particles in rivers, lakes, and soils could alter the food chain and affect aquatic organisms, as reported by La República. Microplastics are pervasive, getting into human tissue, ancient rock, and even bottled water, according to Science Alert.
"All the data shows that the smaller the size, the higher the uptake into the cells. The smaller the size, the higher the risk," Dauder noted, according to Real Life. This raises concerns about long-term health effects such as genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, especially since some particles were detected entering the cell nucleus, potentially disrupting cellular functions or genetic processes.
The study received collaboration from several experts at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany, and was published in the journal Chemosphere, as mentioned by Milenio. The researchers are calling for more to be done to standardize the use of plastics in food packaging to safeguard public health, according to Science Alert.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.