nanoplastics and microplastics in tea bags

Study Reveals Commercial Tea Bags Release Millions of Microplastics Into Human Cells

Introduction to the Issue of Microplastic Contamination

Researchers at UAB have thoroughly investigated the release of nanoplastics and microplastics from polymer-based tea bags during infusion. The study is the first to demonstrate these particles' ability to penetrate human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream and dispersing throughout the body.

Plastic Waste and Its Environmental Impact

Plastic Waste pollution poses a significant environmental threat with far-reaching consequences for the health and welfare of future generations. A primary contributor, food packaging, introduces micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs) into the environment, with human exposure occurring predominantly through inhalation and ingestion.

UAB's Groundbreaking Study on Tea Bag Contamination

The Mutagenesis Group at UAB's Deparment of Genetics and Microbiology has conducted a successful study, obtaining and characterizing micro-and nanoplastics from various commercially available tea bags. The findings are published in the journal Chemosphere.

Tea Bags as a Source of Microplastics

UAB researchers found that when these tea bags are steeped, they release significant quantities of nano-sized particles and nanofilamentous structures, serving as a key source of exposure to micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs).

Composition of the Tea Bags Studied

The tea bags used in the study were composed of nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose polymers. The research reveals that polypropylene releases roughly 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, averaging 136.7 nanometers in size; cellulose releases around 135 million particles per milliliter, averaging 244 nanometers; and nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.

Advanced Analytical Techniques Used in the Study

A range of advanced analytical techniques, including:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV)
• Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Were employed to characterize the various particles present in the infusion.

Key Insights from the Analytical Methods

"We have successfully employed a range of advanced techniques to characterize these pollutants, providing a crucial tool to further research into their potential effects on human health," stated UAB researchers Alba Garcia.

First Detection of Microplastics Interactions with Human Cells

For the first time, the particles were stained and exposed to various human intestinal cell types to evaluate their interaction and potential cellular internalization.

Biological Interaction and Internalization

The biological interaction tests revealed that mucus-producing intestinal cells exhibited the highest uptake of micro-and nanoplastics, with the particles even entering the cell nucleus, which contains the genetic material.

The Role of Intestinal Mucus in Particle Uptake

The findings indicate that intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in the uptake of these pollutant particles, highlighting the importance of further research into the long-term health effects of chronic exposure.

The Need for Standardized Testing and Regulatory Measures

"It is essential to establish standardized testing methods to evaluate MNPLs contamination released from  plastic food-contact materials and to develop regulatory policies that effectively address and reduce this contamination. With the growing use of plastics in food packaging, it is crucial to tackle MNPLs contamination to safeguard food safety and public health," the researchers emphasized.

Source

"Stay informed about the potential health risks of everyday products. Explore more about the latest research on microplastic contamination in food packaging. Share this article with others to spread awareness and help address this growing concern."