The danger hidden in the cup of tea: “300 billion microplastic particles”

What are tea bags made of?

According to a report in the New York Times, tea bags are made from a variety of materials, including:

In general, it is estimated that paper tea bags emit less microplastics compared to plastic bags, but it is not always easy to tell what material the bag is actually made of. Even bags that look “papery” may contain hidden plastic components, such as plastic-coated wires or sealants.

Are paper bags really safe?

Some large tea companies claim that their bags are microplastic-free because they are made from paper or plant-based materials. However, previous studies paint a more complex picture. A 2021 European study found plastic particles in five out of six types of tea bags tested – four of which appeared to be regular paper bags.

The health effects: what is known and what is not

It is known that microplastic enters the body through food and air, and may even accumulate in the blood and tissues. Certain studies indicate possible links between exposure to these particles and:

However, the researchers emphasize that these are limited studies that do not prove a direct causal relationship, and controlled clinical trials in the field are not possible for ethical reasons. Preliminary laboratory studies suggest that microplastics may trigger an immune response and inflammation in the body – a finding that may explain some of the observed relationships. And yet, this is a very young field of research, with many unanswered questions.

This is how exposure to microplastics can be reduced

For those interested in reducing exposure, experts recommend a few simple steps: