A Tea Bag May Release Billions of Microplastics

Frequent ScienceAlert readers are likely aware of how widespread microplastics are—found in human tissue, ancient rocks, and bottled water—but they may be surprised by the sheer number of these tiny particles hiding in a single tea bag.

However, researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain have discovered that a single tea bag can release billions of micro- and nanoplastic (MNPL) particles into each milliliter of water it is steeped in.

Plastics and Heat

While these numbers may appear shockingly high, they align with earlier studies examining the interaction between plastics and high temperatures, such as microwaving food containers. This highlights the widespread presence of MNPLs in our daily lives.

Innovative Techniques Shed Light on the Health Impacts of Pollutants, Says Alba García-Rodríguez

However, microbiologist Alba García-Rodríguez from UAB explains, “We have successfully used cutting-edge techniques to innovatively characterize these pollutants, providing a crucial tool for advancing research into their potential impacts on human health.”

Previous studies have highlighted concerns about the volume and health risks of synthetic particles released from tea bags. In this study, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis using commercially available tea bags.

By employing laser-based methods to measure light scattering and speed, they obtained precise data on the chemical and physical properties of particles released from the tea bags.

Three types of tea bags were tested. Polypropylene tea bags released approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers. Cellulose tea bags released around 135 million particles per milliliter, averaging 244 nanometers. Nylon-6 tea bags released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.

MNPLs and Human Cells

Further tests examined how MNPL particles interact with human intestinal cells. In mucus-producing cells, the particles reached the cell nucleus, offering valuable insights into the health implications of these plastics now circulating in our bodies.

“The polymer composition of MNPLs significantly affects their biological interactions, leading to diverse impacts on organs, tissues, and cells,” the researchers note in their published study.

“These variations can lead to distinct patterns of accumulation, toxicity, immune responses, and long-term health effects, including genotoxicity and cancer risks.”

Call for Stricter Plastic Regulations to Protect Health and Ecosystems

The research team advocates for stricter regulations on plastics used in food packaging to protect public health. While many questions about their effects remain unanswered, increasing evidence suggests that the rising prevalence of tiny plastic particles may pose risks to ecosystems and human health.

In fact, microplastics and nanoplastics are believed to disrupt normal cell functions and potentially increase susceptibility to infections. Plastics found in the gut have also been linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

To conclude, the researchers emphasize, “With the growing use of plastics in food packaging, scientific research and policy efforts must tackle the challenges of MNPL contamination to safeguard food safety and protect consumer health.”

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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