The Troubling “Tea” on Tea – It’s Potentially Full of Billions of Microplastics

Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It has been used medicinally for hundreds of years to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and even fight certain diseases. But new research is shedding light on a potential hidden danger lurking within the cup of your favorite teas – microplastics. The principal source of this microplastic contamination is the tea bags themselves. Most tea bags are made from plastic — either nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). According to research from McGill University, a single tea bag can release 11.6 billion microplastics into a cup of tea.

Tea bag plastics aren’t recyclable or compostable, so they end up in our already-overwhelmed landfills. Considering annual consumption rates of tea globally at approximately 60 billion cups a year, these bags add up to be a major waste issue in and of themselves, and their microplastic composition only adds fuel to that fire. While research into the effect of microplastics on the human body continues, the scientific consensus is confident that microplastics are harmful to a number of the body’s organs and systems, including our hormone systems.

Tea is often prepared by steeping a tea bag in hot or boiling water, which can trigger the breakdown and release of microplastics. These microplastics can continue to accumulate in the environment and in our bodies over time. One way to avoid the potential exposure to microplastics from tea is to consume loose tea that is typically steeped in a reusable metal container. However, the developing research is making it clear that microplastics are to be avoided and that tea bags are a major contributing source of our exposure. If you believe your health has been impacted by exposure to microplastics, you should contact an experienced law firm right away to explore your rights.