Tea Bags: Are They a Hidden Threat to Your Health? Discover Their Negative Effects!

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain presents alarming findings about the health risks associated with tea bags. The study reveals the harmful substances released by these bags when immersed in hot or boiling water, with a particular focus on the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics that can transfer into the beverage and potentially affect the body in unexpected ways.

The research shows that tea bags, especially those made from polypropylene, can release billions of harmful plastic particles into each milliliter of water they are steeped in. The study found that polypropylene tea bags released approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, while cellulose bags released 135 million particles, and nylon bags released 8.18 million particles.

Dr. Alba García Rodríguez, a scientist from the research team, emphasized that these particles are small enough to reach human intestinal cells. Experiments testing the interaction of plastic particles with mucus-producing intestinal cells confirmed this. The study revealed that the absorption levels were sufficient for the plastic particles to reach the cell nuclei.

According to the researchers, the polymer structure of these particles significantly impacts their biological interactions in the body, leading to negative effects on organs and tissues, including genetic toxicity and cancer. The researchers also pointed out that the accumulation of plastic could alter immune system responses and increase the risk of infections.

In conclusion, the researchers called for measures to reduce plastic use in food packaging and for the development of policies aimed at minimizing the impact of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution on human health, in light of the growing use of plastic.