Summary

A new study from Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that tea bags made from nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.

These particles, which can enter human intestinal cells, may pose health risks, potentially affecting the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems.

Researchers urge regulatory action to mitigate plastic contamination in food packaging.

Consumers are advised to use loose-leaf tea with stainless steel infusers or biodegradable tea bags to minimize exposure.

  • Danquebec
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    15 days ago

    Plastic coating to make the bag more resistant to heat.

    • Teanut@lemmy.world
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      14 days ago

      Cellulose isn’t plastic though, it’s the sugar that makes up plant cell walls, like wood. Cotton fibers are 90% cellulose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose

      I’m confused why they included cellulose without clarifying that it’s not a petrochemical, unless cellulose micro and nano particles are also an issue now. Maybe I should read the original study…

      • Danquebec
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        14 days ago

        What I meant to say is that the cellulose is coated with plastic. I learned this from another post in the same thread.

        • Welt@lazysoci.al
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          13 days ago

          Could also be to keep them white? I used to see teabags last century (and health food shop teabags nowadays) yellowing similarly but commercial Twinings tea bags these days remain white - could be a chemical impregnated into the paper but that seems likely to leach into the tea.