Studies have shown that commonly used teabags, regardless of whether they are marketed as "plant-based," release significant amounts of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the brewed tea.

Microplastic Release from Teabags

• A 2019 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that a single plastic teabag can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the water during brewing. This study highlighted the concerning levels of microplastic contamination from teabags.
• A more recent study published in Chemosphere in 2024 further confirmed these findings. This research analyzed a range of teabag materials, including polypropylene, nylon, and cellulose, and found that:
  • Polypropylene teabags: Released an estimated 1.20 billion particles per milliliter of brewed tea.
  • Cellulose teabags: Released approximately 135 million particles per milliliter.
  • Nylon teabags: Released 8 million particles per milliliter.

Potential Health Risks

While the long-term health effects of ingesting these microplastics are still under investigation, studies have shown that these particles can:

• Penetrate human tissues: Microplastics can potentially pass through the intestinal barrier and enter other organs.
• Interact with cells: Some studies suggest that microplastics can interact with cells, potentially disrupting cellular functions.

Minimizing Exposure

Switching to loose-leaf tea brewed in a reusable tea infuser is the most effective way to minimize exposure to microplastics from teabags.