Is there plastic in my tea?

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea on a cold day. Unfortunately, new research shows that your cozy cup of tea may contain billions of microplastic particles. Yuck.

A study published by the Independent University of Barcelona in December looked into just how much micro- and nano-plastic is shedding into each cup of tea. They looked at three different types of plastic: nylon, polypropylene and cellulose polymer. The bad news? They all released microplastics. 

The teabags that were found to release the most microplastics were– perhaps unsurprisingly– the teabags that were made primarily of plastic. The pyramid shaped teabags made of nylon and the “pillow” style teabags made from polypropylene released millions– and in some cases, billions– of microplastic particles per drop. 

Teabags that used plastic mixed together with cellulose also released microplastics. 

The study also found that the shedded plastic particles were able to be absorbed by human cells and reach the bloodstream. From there, they could spread throughout the body.

Plastic can also be found in bag seals and sometimes in the teabag strings.

Do all teabags have plastics?

What can you do to stop drinking tea with a side of microplastics?

It is probably best to buy loose leaf tea or if you like herbal tea, you can use fresh leaves, such as mint, from the garden. 

If the convenience of teabags is still a draw, here are some tips to help reduce potential microplastic intake. 

1. Find  teabags that easily rip. It’s a sign that the teabag paper has not been reinforced with plastic.
2. Ensure that strings are tied or stapled, not glued on. 
3. Avoid the ‘pillow’ or square-shaped teabags. 
4. Don’t microwave your tea. Another study found that the amount of plastic particles increased when the tea was microwaved. 
5. Note that if a teabag says that it is made from cornstarch, it means it is a plant-based plastic. 
6. Wash your teabag before you use it. One study suggests that rinsing your teabag before submerging it into hot water helps to reduce residual plastic on the teabags. 
7. Also, it is good to look for brands that are attempting to minimize their plastic and perhaps plastic is only found in the heat seal. One way to avoid heat seals are basic old-fashion staples. 
8. Still unsure about your teabag? Consult with the company’s website and reach out if insufficient information is available. 

While the leaching of microplastics is a potential concern to human health, it’s also concerning for the environment. So, if you compost, it’s best to not include your teabags, unless you are sure that they do not contain plastic.