Starting the Day with Tea

Many people consider a cup of tea or coffee a daily ritual. To save time, they often choose tea bags instead of brewing loose-leaf tea. However, researchers have raised concerns about the dangers of using tea bags, particularly the risk of microplastics. Experts from the Autonomous University of Barcelona have warned that this common practice could pose health risks.

Microplastic leach from Tea Bags

When you steep tea bags in hot water, they release microplastics into the tea. When consumed, these particles can enter the human body, potentially causing long-term health issues. Studies show that tea bags, particularly those made from nylon and polypropylene, leak tiny plastic particles into the water. These microplastics then travel into the digestive system, where they reach mucus-producing cells in the intestines—and, more concerningly, the cells’ nuclei.

The study found that microplastics not only enter intestinal mucus cells but also penetrate their nuclei. This could alter cellular structures and potentially lead to health problems. While researchers are still exploring the exact risks, the study suggests that prolonged exposure could have serious consequences.

Potential Health Risks

Although experts have not fully understood the health effects of microplastics, they suspect these particles could cause cellular changes that contribute to various diseases. Some studies suggest that microplastics may increase the risk of cancer, particularly in children. Researchers are also concerned about their impact on reproductive health, as they have detected microplastics in male bodies.

A Ubiquitous Problem

Microplastics are not only found in tea bags—they are widespread in our environment, especially in food packaging. Researchers have long known that packaging is a major way microplastics enter the human body. This new study shows that tea bags could also be an unexpected source of these harmful particles.

In the study, researchers heated 300 nylon and polypropylene tea bags in 600 ml of water at 95°C. They found that large amounts of nanoparticles were released into the water. Polypropylene tea bags released about 12 billion nanoparticles per litre, while nylon tea bags released around 8.1 million nanoparticles per millilitre.

Nanoparticles Interact with Cells

After the nanoparticles were released, the researchers exposed them to different types of human cells. They discovered that mucus-producing cells in the intestines absorbed the nanoparticles more efficiently than other cells. Some nanoparticles even reached the nuclei of these cells, raising concerns about potential long-term effects.

The Need for Awareness

Though the full health implications of microplastics are still unclear, experts emphasize the need to understand the risks. As microplastics accumulate in the environment, consumers must be aware of how everyday products, like tea bags, could contribute to this problem. Researchers are calling for greater scrutiny of the materials used in consumer goods, especially those that come into direct contact with food and beverages.

Source: Mathrubhumi