Microplastics, increasingly found in food and drinks, have become a serious threat to the environment and human health. A new study from the Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Barcelona has found that even tea bags can be a source of nanoplastic contamination.
As reported by Interesting Engineering , when tea bags are steeped in hot water, a huge amount of nanoparticles are released. The researchers studied tea bags made from three materials:
- polypropylene , which released up to 1.2 billion particles per milliliter (average size – 136.7 nanometers);
- cellulose , which released 135 million particles per milliliter (average size – 244 nanometers);
- nylon-6 , which released 8.18 million particles per milliliter (average size – 138.4 nanometers).
Advanced methods such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and infrared spectroscopy were used for analysis.
Researchers have studied for the first time how micro- and nanoplastic particles interact with human intestinal cells. Experiments have shown that cells that produce mucus absorb the largest amounts of these particles. In some cases, the plastic even penetrates the cell's nucleus, where genetic material is stored.
Alba Garcia, one of the authors of the study, emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of this phenomenon:
“Intestinal mucus plays a key role in the absorption of these pollutants. The long-term health effects of microplastic exposure need to be investigated.”
Experts emphasize the need to create regulations aimed at reducing the use of plastic in food packaging. Particular attention should be paid to the development of standardized testing methods for plastic materials that come into contact with food.
The growing demand for convenient and ready-to-use products is only exacerbating the problem. Therefore, it needs to be solved immediately, experts emphasize.
Tea bags, a common part of many kitchens, may pose a hidden health threat. This study is yet another reminder of the need to reduce the use of plastic in our daily lives and protect the environment and human health.
