A single tea bag steeped at boiling temperatures can result in significant contamination
As the Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in Wonderland famously says, “It’s always tea-time.” For many tea lovers, that sentiment rings true. But we hate to spoil the aroma and comforting ritual, so here’s the truth: The tea bags you’re using might be hiding a rather ugly secret.
Many commercial tea bags are made from plastic, and not only can this diminish your tea experience, but it also poses health risks. In December 2024, researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) published a study revealing how polymer-based tea bags release millions of nanoplastics and microplastics when steeped. This research, building on earlier findings from McGill University in 2019, showed that a single plastic tea bag steeped at brewing temperature (around 203°F) can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into your cup.
So how do these tea bags contribute to microplastic contamination? Shailaja Ravi, an Abu Dhabi-based sustainability specialist, explains: “Traditionally, tea bags were made from paper, but synthetic fibres like nylon, PET, and polypropylene are now commonly used, especially in silk or pyramid-shaped tea bags. These plastics are chosen for their durability, heat resistance, and shape retention. However, when exposed to hot water, these materials begin to break down, releasing microplastics into your tea.” If you’re still wondering what’s exactly wrong with microplastics: They pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment, and can wreak devastation on marine life when ingested, leading to digestive issues, malnutrition, and death. Microplastics also enter the food chain through contaminated seafood and water, and can be inhaled or ingested, potentially causing respiratory problems, digestive issues, and other health concerns.
Researchers have found that these microplastics not only linger in the tea but may also leach harmful particles into the water. Even a single tea bag steeped at boiling temperatures can result in significant contamination. In the UAB study, plastic tea bags released such large quantities of plastic particles that it’s hard not to reconsider that next cup.
The Tea Association of the USA acknowledged concerns about microplastics in tea bags in 2019. Peter F. Goggi, president of the association, stated, “Materials used to create tea bags, including nylon and PET, have been assessed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for their safe use under various conditions.” The association maintains that the current level of microplastic exposure from tea bags is low and unlikely to pose an immediate health risk, but the long-term effects of microplastics on human health remain an area of active research.
Though studies on the health risks of consuming microplastics are still scarce, experts agree that this issue shouldn’t be taken lightly.
So, what can you do?
For those looking to reduce exposure to microplastics, there are several straightforward steps you can take:
Opt for loose leaf tea: The easiest and most effective way to avoid microplastics is to switch to loose leaf tea. Simply use a tea infuser or strainer to brew your tea without relying on a bag.
Choose biodegradable tea bags: If you prefer tea bags, look for brands using natural materials like paper, cotton, or hemp. Some brands now offer biodegradable tea bags made from plant-based materials, providing a more eco-friendly option.
Invest in stainless steel or mesh tea strainers: These reusable alternatives allow you to brew loose leaf tea without the need for plastic bags, offering a sustainable and health-conscious choice.
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