'Critical warning' about microplastics in popular drink

Key Points:

• Researchers warn that many plastic tea bags release thousands of microplastic particles and endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates into tea, posing potential health risks including cardiovascular issues and developmental harm.
• A study found that plastic tea bags released between 555 to 2,498 microplastic particles per cup, vastly more than loose-leaf tea, which contained only 0.3 to 2.4 particles per cup, indicating the plastic bags as the main contamination source.
• Although BPA and phthalate levels in tea brewed from plastic bags were within current safety limits, experts caution these thresholds may be outdated and do not guarantee zero risk, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.
• Most US tea bags are made from natural materials, but some brands use plastic for sealing, with companies like Tetley acknowledging plastic use while aiming for biodegradability; consumers are advised to check brands and consider plastic-free or loose-leaf options.
• Switching to loose-leaf tea or selecting brands confirmed to use plastic-free bags, such as certain blends from Organic India, Traditional Medicinals, and Yogi, can significantly reduce microplastic ingestion.