The study carried out by the PlasticHeal project in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) reveals a worrying finding: commercial tea bags made from polymers release millions of microplastics and nanoplastics during use, which can penetrate human intestinal cells and even reach the bloodstream.
Advanced techniques for the tea bag problem
The researchers used advanced methods, such as electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, to characterize the released particles. The results showed that polypropylene , one of the polymers tested, emits about 1.2 billion particles per milliliter in a single infusion . Other materials, such as nylon-6 and cellulose, also contribute significantly to this invisible contamination.
This work highlights the ability of these tiny particles to adhere to intestinal mucus and be absorbed by cells, even reaching the nucleus containing genetic material . This behavior raises questions about the long-term impact of microplastics on public health , an area that experts consider crucial to investigate in depth.
Towards safer solutions
Researchers stress the urgency of developing regulations to assess and minimise plastic pollution in food and beverages. Alternatives such as the use of biodegradable materials in tea bags could be key to mitigating this problem. In addition, it is suggested to opt for reusable infusers or brands that offer plastic-free packaging.
In a world increasingly affected by plastic pollution, this study is a call to reconsider the impact of everyday products on our health and the planet.
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Source: PlasticHeal
Photo: Shutterstock
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