Are we truly aware that our morning tea might come with a side of micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs)? 🫖✨ Let’s uncover what’s brewing beyond the tea leaves!
A recent study highlights how teabags made of nylon-6 (NY6), polypropylene (PP), and cellulose (CL) release millions of MNPLs during a typical brew!
Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Nylon (NY6): Releases the least MNPLs but still contributes to plastic exposure.
👉 Polypropylene (PP): The biggest offender—releasing over 1 billion particles per brew.
👉 Cellulose (CL): Bio-based but still sheds MNPLs, sometimes mixed with tea leaves.
Why it matters:
MNPLs interact with intestinal cells, and mucus-producing cells absorb even more particles.
What are the long-term health impacts? Still unclear, but definitely concerning!
Take Action:
☑️ Check teabag materials—opt for plastic-free options.
☑️ Spread awareness about hidden plastics in food packaging.
☑️ Support research & policies to reduce plastic contamination in food.
Let’s brew with care, not just for health but for a cleaner future! 🫖🍃
Banaei, G., et al., Teabag-derived micro/nanoplastics (true-to-life MNPLs) as a surrogate for real-life exposure scenarios. Chemosphere, 2024. 368: p. 143736.

Comments