From the Guidelines
Yes, some teabags do contain microplastics, and consuming them can pose potential health risks due to the release of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the tea. Many modern teabags are made with plastic materials like polypropylene, which is used to heat-seal the bags and prevent them from breaking apart in hot water 1. When these plastic-containing teabags are steeped in hot water, they can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into your tea. This is particularly true for pyramid-shaped mesh teabags, which are often made from nylon or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The presence of microplastics in drinking water and their potential impact on human health has been a concern, with studies suggesting that microplastics can serve as carriers of dangerous substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) 1.
To minimize exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to switch to loose leaf tea with a metal or bamboo infuser, or look for teabags specifically labeled as plastic-free, biodegradable, or made from unbleached paper sealed with natural materials instead of plastic. Traditional paper teabags may be made from natural fibers like abaca or other plant materials, though some still use plastic sealants. The quality of data on microplastics in drinking water is crucial for accurately assessing risks to human health, and high-quality data are limited 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size 1
- Microplastics can be found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater and marine ecosystems, as well as terrestrial and atmospheric settings 1
- The ingestion of microplastics by organisms can lead to various adverse effects, including physical blockages, the absorption of toxins, and the possible bio-magnification of these toxins through the food chain 1
- The presence of microplastics in drinking water can pose potential health risks to humans, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications of microplastic exposure 1
From the Research
Presence of Microplastics in Teabags
- Teabags have been found to contain microplastics, with studies indicating a significant amount of microplastic release into tea drinks 2, 3, 4.
- The abundance of microplastics in teabag samples can vary, with an average of 412.32 and 147.28 items per single teabag for Persian and German brands, respectively 2.
- Microplastics in teabags can come in different forms, including fibers and fragments, with a wide range of colors and sizes, and can be made of various polymer types such as polyethylene, nylon, and polytetrafluoroethylene 2, 3, 4.
Health Risks Associated with Microplastics in Teabags
- The ingestion of microplastics through tea consumption can pose a significant health risk, with estimates suggesting that children and adults may ingest 486 and 810 microplastics per day, respectively 2.
- The health implications of ingesting microplastics are still unclear, but studies suggest that it can lead to exposure to contaminants such as phthalates and fluoride 2, 5.
- Reducing microplastic release from teabags can be achieved through simple methods such as pre-washing the teabags with room temperature water, which can reduce microplastic residues by 76-94% 3.
Comparison of Microplastic Contamination in Different Teabag Types
- Nylon 6 woven tea bags have been found to release fewer microplastics compared to nonwoven filter bags 3.
- The type of polymer used in teabags can also affect the amount of microplastic release, with polyethylene and polypropylene being common types of microplastics found in teabags 2, 6.
- The use of plastic-based filter bags can lead to significant microplastic contamination in tea infusions, highlighting the need for alternative materials or methods to reduce microplastic release 3, 4.