this post was submitted on 23 Dec 2024
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Summary

A Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona study reveals that polymer-based tea bags release millions to billions of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs) into tea when brewed.

These particles, derived from materials like nylon-6 and polypropylene, can enter human intestinal cells, even reaching cell nuclei.

Using advanced techniques, researchers characterized the released particles and found mucus-producing intestinal cells absorbed them most readily.

The study highlights potential health risks from chronic exposure and calls for standardised testing and regulatory policies to address MNPL contamination in food packaging, a growing concern for food safety and public health.

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[–] reddig33@lemmy.world 28 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I’m assuming this only is true with those stupid nylon tea bags. Paper tea bags are still a thing.

[–] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 18 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Not to burst your bubble but most conventional paper tea bags still have plastics in the adhesive to keep them together. Have to go out of your way to find products that avoid it.

[–] Nougat@fedia.io 24 points 2 days ago

Or loose tea and a strainer or tea ball.

[–] 9point6@lemmy.world 16 points 2 days ago (1 children)

For what it's worth, it does say "polymer based tea bags", so the way I'm interpreting that is that paper tea bags would at least be better

[–] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

No doubt! The nylon bags are all around terrible. Just not safe with any off the shelf paper bag either (looking at you Tazo & Teavana...). If it's compostable, should be okay.

[–] flicker@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 2 days ago

I'll never forgive Starbucks for what they did to Teavana!

That aside, I think anybody who ever tasted a triangle bag tea knows they're bad for you. They taste awful! Like plastic! I'm shocked they're still for sale.

[–] ChicoSuave@lemmy.world 10 points 2 days ago

Correct. Compostable tea bags are still paper or cloth and contain only a tiny staple that won't decompose.

But not the pyramid shaped bags. They contain food-grade plastics. No compost pile for those.

[–] MrsDoyle@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 days ago

Check the label - it should say 100% biodegradable or something. Some of them look like paper but have a plastic web inside. https://youtu.be/limwsUnH4iQ

[–] rayquetzalcoatl@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

I'll be alright cos I just drink two cans of Monster a day instead

[–] NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Good thing i drink tea like a fish.

[–] RamblingPanda@lemmynsfw.com 11 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yes, I breath the tea through my gills.

[–] RamblingPanda@lemmynsfw.com 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

You are a Brit?

But then you're able to use loose tea, aren't you?

[–] NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

No, I'm not a brit. I'm American

[–] RamblingPanda@lemmynsfw.com 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] NocturnalMorning@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Thanks, the next few years are gonna be rough.

[–] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

Another type of sack that plastic is stored in

[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] flicker@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 2 days ago

I hope this includes the ones I import to the US because I can't live without my gold.

[–] Eeyore_Syndrome@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] flicker@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago

If this article is to be believed, you're safe.