A recent study by the University of Barcelona has found that commercially available tea bags release significant amounts of micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs) during brewing, posing a critical environmental and health concern. The research team analyzed several types of tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose, and discovered that these plastics break down into tiny particles that can be inhaled or ingested.
The study used advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy to characterize the particles released during brewing. The results showed that polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, while cellulose releases about 135 million particles per milliliter. Nylon-6 also released a significant amount of particles, with an average size of 138 nanometres.
To assess the potential health impact, the researchers exposed human intestinal cells to the particles and observed that mucus-producing cells had the highest uptake of microplastics. The findings suggest that intestinal mucus plays a key role in the uptake of these pollutant particles, underscoring the need for further research into their effects on human health.
The study highlights the importance of developing standardized test methods to assess MNPLs contamination and formulating regulatory policies to mitigate this issue. With the increasing use of plastic in food packaging, it is crucial to address MNPLs contamination to ensure food safety and protect public health.
Source: https://www.newsgram.com/health/2024/12/21/commercial-tea-bags-release-millions-of-microplastics-when-in-use