New Delhi –
A recent study reveals that popular green tea bags may release billions of plastic particles when brewed, posing hidden health risks.
Green Tea: Healthy Beverage or Hidden Hazard?
Green tea has long been hailed as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, known for its antioxidant properties and metabolism-boosting benefits. But a new study published in Chemosphere (November 2024) is raising fresh concerns over the way we consume it — specifically, the packaging it comes in.
Researchers found that brewing tea using certain types of tea bags can release billions of microplastic particles into each cup. While green tea itself is healthy, the material used in tea bags may be compromising its safety.
What Did the Study Find?
The research team tested tea bags made from three commonly used materials:
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Polypropylene (a type of plastic)
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Nylon mesh
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Cellulose paper
Simulating a standard tea-making process, they steeped the bags in sterile water heated to 95°C (203°F) and stirred the contents to mimic how we typically prepare tea. The results were eye-opening:
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Polypropylene bags released approximately 1.2 billion microplastic particles per millilitre.
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Cellulose paper bags shed around 135 million particles per millilitre.
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Nylon mesh bags released 8.18 million particles per millilitre.
The act of stirring and the hot water itself were found to accelerate the release of these particles.
Microplastics Absorbed by Human Cells
The study didn’t stop at measuring particle release. Researchers also exposed human intestinal cells to the extracted microplastics. Alarmingly, they found that the cells absorbed these particles, especially mucus cells, which showed the highest uptake.
Even more concerning, within 24 hours, some microplastic particles had reached the nucleus of the cells, where DNA is stored. This raises potential concerns about genetic damage and long-term health effects.
What Are Microplastics and Why Should We Care?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, often invisible to the naked eye, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products. They’re found in everyday items — including tea bags — and can remain in the body once consumed.
John Meeker, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan, called the findings “a cause for concern,” pointing out that ingesting such high volumes of plastic particles from a common beverage like tea is alarming.
Past Studies Echo Similar Concerns
This isn’t the first time tea bags have come under scrutiny:
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A 2019 Canadian study found that nylon and polyethylene tea bags released up to 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a single cup.
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A 2023 study tested biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) tea bags and found they still released 1 million nanoplastic particles per bag.
These consistent findings suggest that even plant-based plastics are not entirely safe when exposed to high temperatures.
Health Risks: Still Unclear but Worrying
While the direct health impact of ingesting microplastics is still under research, experts warn that the particles can enter the bloodstream and possibly spread to other organs. Some chemicals used in plastic production are known to cause hormone disruption and even cancer.
However, scientists urge caution. Human studies are still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of consuming microplastics through daily beverages like green tea.
How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics in Tea
If you’re a green tea lover, here are some simple steps to stay safe:
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Choose loose leaf tea instead of tea bags whenever possible.
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Use a stainless steel or reusable infuser to brew your tea.
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Avoid tea bags made from nylon or plastic mesh.
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Read labels to find brands that use natural, unbleached paper or cloth bags.
These small changes can significantly reduce your exposure to plastic particles and help you enjoy the true health benefits of green tea.
Final Thoughts
While green tea continues to be a healthy beverage choice, the packaging it comes in might be compromising its benefits. As research unfolds, it’s clear that being mindful about how we brew our tea — and what materials we use — is just as important as the tea itself. Switching to eco-friendly and plastic-free brewing options may be the key to sipping safely.