Your Tea Bag Is Likely Releasing Billions of Microplastic Particles, According to a New Study

It's a new day, which means it's time to warn you about yet another product filled with microplastics that could have disastrous consequences on your overall health.

In December, researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain published a new study in the journal Chemosphere showing that individual tea bags steeped in boiling water can release micro- and nanoplastic particles, which are then ingested by the drinker. And it's not just a few particles here or there. The researchers found that the bags can release particles in the billions, adding to the body of work already out there presenting the dangers of microplastics from tea bags.

To come to this conclusion, the team tested tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose, all typical packaging for teas. They found that when brewing tea, "polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres; cellulose releases about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometres; while nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres."

Related: Here’s Why You Should Probably Stop Using Your Plastic Cutting Board

It then took those pollutants and exposed them to different types of human intestinal cells. They found that the "mucus-producing intestinal cells had the highest uptake of micro and nanoplastics, with the particles even entering the cell nucleus that houses the genetic material. The result suggests a key role for intestinal mucus in the uptake of these pollutant particles and underscores the need for further research into the effects that chronic exposure can have on human health."

While the effect of microplastics on humans is still an ongoing topic of research, some studies have shown that microplastics have the potential to affect everything from the digestive to respiratory systems, the human endocrine and reproductive systems, and the human immune system. Studies have even shown it can cause infertility and miscarriage.

With this new study, the researchers are calling for the development of "standardized test methods to assess MNPLs contamination released from plastic food contact materials and to formulate regulatory policies to effectively mitigate and minimize this contamination. As the use of plastic in food packaging continues to increase, it is vital to address MNPLs contamination to ensure food safety and protect public health."

Of course, you could always purchase loose-leaf tea and brew it at home in a stainless steel tea infuser or look for a biodegradable brand to avoid all this microplastic mess.

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