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A recent scientific study, published in the journal "npj Science of Food", revealed that some plastic tea bags may release thousands of microplastic particles into the drink when exposed to hot water, raising questions about their potential impact on human health.
The study's results showed that tea bags from four brands released an average of between 555 and 2498 plastic particles per cup, when steeped for three minutes in water at a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius.
The pollutants discovered were not limited to plastic particles, as the researchers also detected Bisphenol A (BPA) and plasticizing compounds in all tea samples prepared using plastic bags. The amount of Bisphenol A reached the equivalent of 4.55% to 21.70% of the tolerable daily intake, according to the European Food Safety Authority's assessment.
Does this pose a health risk?
Although the study did not measure the direct health effects of these pollutants, the researchers noted that Bisphenol A may affect hormonal balance, and that exposure to it through tea may be added to the amounts the body receives from other sources.
However, the results do not prove that drinking tea using these bags causes direct health harm, as the actual risks still require further study.
How can exposure be reduced?
Researchers recommend turning to loose-leaf tea instead of plastic bags, and using ceramic or metal vessels to prepare it. They also suggest washing tea leaves with cold water before steeping them to reduce some potential contaminants.
The study highlights the importance of conducting further research to accurately determine exposure levels to plastic particles and chemical substances, and to understand their potential effects on human health.
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