Ruth Orji
Some tea bags do contain microplastics and nanoplastics. Research has shown that certain tea bags, especially those made from polypropylene, can release billions of microplastic particles and nanoplastics into hot water.
These microplastics can come from various sources, including the tea bag material itself, the glue used to seal the bags, or even the paper filter bags. For instance, some tea bags contain polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, which can break down into microplastics when exposed to hot water,
The health risks associated with consuming microplastics and nanoplastics are still being studied, but potential concerns include endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer risk, and interference with neurodevelopment.
If you’re concerned about microplastics in your tea, consider switching to loose-leaf tea or opting for tea bags made from biodegradable materials like plant-based bioplastics or paper filters without plastic sealants. Some tea brands, such as Barry’s Tea and Dilmah, offer plastic-free or biodegradable tea bags.
Verdict: True. Teabags contain microplastics and nanoplastics.