A new study conducted in Barcelona reveals that tea bags release millions of micro and nanoplastic particles during infusion, potentially absorbable by intestinal cells and consequently risking health
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Contamination from microplastics has become one of the most serious problems for human health and the environment. These tiny particles are now found everywhere, from the sea to agricultural soils, and reach our bodies through food and drink. Not even teas and herbal teas are saved. A recent study byAutonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has in fact discovered that commercial tea bags release millions of micro and nanoplastic particles during infusion.
The results of the study
The research, conducted by the Mutagenesis Group in UAB’s Department of Genetics and Microbiology, examined tea bags made from polymeric materials such as nylon-6, polypropylene and cellulose. Scientists have found that, during infusion, these sachets release enormous quantities of microplastics and nanoplastics, becoming a significant source of exposure to these polluting particles.
The data are impressive: polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers; cellulose has approximately 135 million particles per milliliter, with dimensions of 244 nanometers; while nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.
To characterize the released microplastics, the researchers used advanced technologies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).
We managed to identify and analyze these pollutants thanks to a combination of innovative techniques, which are fundamental to better understand their possible effects on human health – said Alba García, researcher on the project.
The interaction of microplastics with the human body
The study explored for the first time the interaction between micro- and nanoplastics and human intestinal cells. The particles were stained and exposed to different types of human intestinal cells to evaluate their possible cellular internalization.
Experiments have shown that the particles can be absorbed by mucus-producing intestinal cells, even entering the cell nucleuswhere the genetic material resides. This suggests that intestinal mucus plays a key role in the absorption of microplastics, which is concerning given that chronic exposure to these particles can affect human health.
The researchers highlight the need to regulate the use of plastic materials in food packaging, so as to minimize the release of microplastics.
Developing uniform testing standards and regulatory policies is critical to ensuring food safety and protecting public health – say the study authors.
This new investigation, unfortunately, only confirms what has already been discovered in the past. In a previous article, we talked about a study that highlighted how tea filters could release billions of microplastics during infusion. The investigation had in fact shown that a single plastic tea bag, immersed in hot water, can release impressive quantities of plastic particles, with possible risks to human and environmental health.
And, by the way, microplastics may not be the only unwelcome presence in tea. Another big problem are the pesticide residues. To learn more about this aspect, read: Do you know what’s hiding in your cup of black tea? Pesticides (even banned) and terrible worker conditions
How to protect ourselves
Exposure to microplastics is constant and difficult to avoid completely, but it is essential to adopt practical solutions to reduce the risks as much as possible. As for infusions, we can opt for sachets made of biodegradable materials or – better yet – choose loose teas and herbal teas.
