Do Tea Bags Contain Harmful Microplastics?

Many tea drinkers opt for tea bags due to their convenience. In contrast to lose leaf tea, which requires some knowledge and special tools to use, tea bags can contain high-quality tea. However, the bags themselves often have hidden issues.

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A viral video below states that all tea bag should be avoided as microplastic can go to the body from tea bags and it's not healthy for humans.We decided to do a fact check on this.

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Explanation

With growing concerns about environmental health, there's a common misconception that all tea bags are biodegradable. Although some tea bags are biodegradable, many are not, and attempting to compost them can be harmful. In reality, tea bags are often made with nylon, plastic, or bleached paper and sealed with glue or other harmful chemicals. These materials and chemicals are not only harmful to the environment but can also pose risks to human health. Read more

Source: UK Tea and Infusions Association

Claim 1: Presence of Microplastics in Tea Bags

Some studies have confirmed that certain types of tea bags, especially those made from plastic or containing plastic, can release microplastics into the tea when brewed. A notable study published in 2019 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that a single plastic tea bag could release billions of microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) particles when steeped in hot water. Read more

The images collectively illustrate that steeping teabags result in the release of various particle sizes, with notable changes in surface morphology and the presence of micro- and nanoscale particles in the leachates. (a) Schematic illustration of the preparation process for teabag samples and their leachates for analysis. (b−q) SEM images of original teabags and their leachates after steeping, revealing structural changes and particle release. (b, f, j, n) SEM images at 1000× magnification of original teabags before steeping, showing a net-like structure with smooth surfaces (30−70 μm). Insets at 30000× magnification reveal surface roughness and small particles (200−1000 nm). (c, g, k, o) SEM images at 1000× magnification of teabags after steeping, displaying a rougher surface. Insets at 30000× magnification highlight dents and fractures. (d, h, l, p) SEM images at 1000× magnification of teabag leachates show irregularly shaped microparticles (1−200 μm). Insets provide micron-sized particle size distribution. (e, i, m, q) SEM images at 100000× magnification of teabag leachates confirm the presence of submicron and nano-sized particles. Insets present submicron particle size distribution. Source: Environmental Science and Technology 2019

How to test your teabags for plastic, Watch here

However, this does not apply to all tea bags. Many tea bags are made from paper or other biodegradable materials. Here is an updated guide for 2024 featuring some of the most popular and widely available plastic-free tea brand materials that do not release microplastics. I'm Plastic Free

Lipton's traditional tea bags are made from manilla hemp, cellulose, and thermoplastic fibers, with some variants containing polyethylene, and they are neither compostable nor recyclable.

Dilmah's tagless and pyramid-style tea bags are composed of biodegradable, plastic-free PLA material, while their standard tea bags use mostly natural cellulose fibers with a small percentage of polypropylene for heat sealing. Warch here

We also contacted Zesta, and we will update the article with their response.

Therefore, the evidence supports that certain plastic tea bags can release microplastics when brewed, with the potential for significant particle contamination in the tea.

Claim 2: Health Risks of Microplastics in Tea Bags

According to the video, the microplastics in tea bags can: Cause Inflammation, Increase Cardiovascular Risks, and Affect Reproductive Health as microplastics have been detected in the testicles, semen, and the flesh of the penis, potentially impacting fertility and overall reproductive health and Widespread Distribution in the Body.

The studies highlight several potential health risks associated with microplastics in tea bags,

Inflammation: Studies have shown that microplastics and nanoplastics (NPs) can cause intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation. Read more

Cardiovascular Risks: Research suggests that microplastics may become embedded in arterial linings, such as those in the carotid arteries, which could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Read here and here

Reproductive Health: Microplastics have been detected in reproductive organs, including the testicles, semen, and the flesh of the penis, raising concerns about potential impacts on fertility and overall reproductive health. Read here and here

Digestive Issues: The presence of microplastics can lead to malabsorption and erosion of the gut lining, resulting in nutrient deficiencies and compromised gut health. Read more

Gut Flora Disruption: Microplastics may carry additives, pollutants, and pathogens that could disrupt the balance of gut flora and affect overall health. Read more

Cancer Risks: A study on colorectal cancer cells showed increased absorption and accumulation of microplastics, suggesting potential links to gastrointestinal cancer. Read more

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Conclusion

In summary, while scientific evidence supports the presence of microplastics in tea bags and their associated risks, more detailed research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health. The video raises important concerns, but the current knowledge still requires further investigation.