For many tea lovers, sipping a warm cup of tea is a daily ritual. But there’s an uncomfortable truth brewing—your tea bag could be releasing billions of plastic particles into your cup.
A 2024 study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona revealed that steeping a single polymer-based tea bag at boiling temperatures (around 203°F) can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics. These findings align with earlier research from McGill University, raising fresh concerns about the health implications of common commercial tea bags.
Why does this happen? Synthetic fibers like nylon, PET, or polypropylene, chosen for their durability and shape, have often replaced traditional paper tea bags. But according to Abu Dhabi-based sustainability expert Shailaja Ravi, these plastics break down when exposed to hot water, releasing tiny plastic particles that may pose serious health and environmental risks. 
Microplastics are already known to enter the body through seafood, drinking water, and even the air. Once inside, they may cause respiratory issues, gut problems, and long-term health effects that scientists are still working to understand.
The Tea Association of the USA acknowledged concerns back in 2019, stating that materials like nylon and PET used in tea bags have FDA clearance for safety. However, experts continue to emphasize that while the immediate risk may be low, the cumulative impact of microplastics remains uncertain and worrisome.
How to Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure:
- Switch to loose leaf tea: Use a tea infuser or stainless-steel strainer to avoid plastic altogether.
- Choose biodegradable tea bags: Look for brands using paper, cotton, or hemp-based tea bags.
- Use eco-friendly brewing tools: Invest in reusable mesh or metal strainers for a healthier and more sustainable choice.
Microplastic pollution is a growing problem, but with small daily choices, we can protect both our bodies and the planet.
