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A groundbreaking study by researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has revealed that commercially available tea bags release millions of microplastics and nanoplastics into tea infusions, with the potential to enter human intestinal cells and spread throughout the body. This discovery raises significant concerns about the impact of plastic contamination on human health and highlights the need for urgent regulatory measures.
The research, published in the journal Chemosphere, provides the first detailed analysis of how plastic particles from tea bags are released during brewing and their ability to be absorbed by human cells. The study is led by the Mutagenesis Group of UAB’s Department of Genetics and Microbiology, which used advanced techniques to examine the particles released by different types of tea bags made from materials such as nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose.
Plastic Pollution in Tea
The study found that when these tea bags are infused in hot water, they release a significant amount of micro and nanoplastics. Specifically, polypropylene tea bags released around 1.2 billion particles per milliliter of tea, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers. Cellulose bags released about 135 million particles per milliliter, while nylon-6 bags released 8.18 million particles per milliliter. These particles are far smaller than a human hair, making them invisible to the naked eye but potentially hazardous to health.
To identify and analyze the different particles, the UAB researchers employed cutting-edge techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. These methods allowed them to characterize the size, structure, and composition of the particles, providing a comprehensive understanding of the extent of plastic pollution in tea.
Absorption by Human Intestinal Cells
In an unprecedented experiment, the researchers exposed human intestinal cells to the microplastics and nanoplastics derived from the tea bags. The results were alarming: the particles were absorbed by the cells, with mucus-producing cells showing the highest uptake. In some cases, the microplastics even entered the cell nucleus, where genetic material is stored. This suggests that the particles can potentially travel throughout the body, raising concerns about their long-term effects on human health.
Alba Garcia, one of the lead researchers, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that understanding how these pollutants interact with human cells is crucial for assessing their impact on health. “It is critical to develop standardized test methods to assess micro and nanoplastic contamination in food packaging materials and to implement regulatory policies to mitigate this contamination,” Garcia said.
A Growing Environmental Concern
Microplastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge, with food packaging identified as a significant source of contamination. The UAB researchers highlight that the increasing use of plastics in food packaging, including tea bags, presents a growing risk of exposure to micro and nanoplastics through ingestion. As plastics continue to break down into smaller particles, they can enter the food chain, affecting both human health and the environment.
The study calls for more research into the long-term effects of microplastics on human health, particularly regarding chronic exposure. The researchers urge regulatory bodies to address this issue by developing standardized testing and formulating policies that reduce plastic contamination in food products.
As plastics remain ubiquitous in food packaging, it is vital to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with plastic pollution, particularly in commonly consumed items like tea.
For more information, the full study is available in Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143736.
