Study Reveals Tea Bags Release Billions of Microplastics During Brewing

Research shows polymer-based tea bags release microscopic plastic particles that can be absorbed by human intestinal cells, raising health and environmental concerns.

Scientists from the Autonomous University of Barcelona found that tea bags made from polypropylene, nylon-6, and cellulose release billions of micro- and nanoplastics when brewed in hot water.
Polypropylene tea bags released the highest number of particles—approximately 1.2 billion per milliliter—followed by cellulose and nylon-6, with 135 million and 8.18 million particles per milliliter, respectively.
The study observed that intestinal cells absorbed the plastic particles, with some even entering the cell nucleus where genetic material is stored, though the long-term health effects remain unclear.
The researchers used advanced techniques, including electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, to characterize the particles and their interactions with human cells.
The findings highlight the need for standardized testing and regulatory policies to reduce microplastic contamination in food packaging and protect public health.