Blog

Exploring the science behind tea bags, health risks, and how to choose safer alternatives.

Quick Navigation

• - What are microplastics exactly?
• - Why is there plastic in my tea?
• - Is it harmful to your body?
• - Finding safer brands and solutions

1. What are microplastics exactly?

The term "microplastics" sounds technical, but it is quite simple: they are tiny fragments of plastic. The concept was first introduced by Professor Richard Thompson in 2004 in a study published in the journal Science. Generally, microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, including fibers, films, and granules.

Today, our understanding has moved beyond what the eye can see. Scientists now detect micron and even nano-sized particles. These come from many sources, such as degraded plastic waste or resin pellets used in manufacturing. Surprisingly, microplastics are now everywhere. In 2016, the UN Environment Programme noted their presence in the deep sea, and by 2022, they were even found in the remote snow of Antarctica.

2. Why is there plastic in my tea?

It is important to be precise here: the tea leaves themselves are natural plants and do not contain plastic. The real concern is microplastics in tea bags. When we talk about plastic in tea, we are referring to the packaging of the tea bag itself.

A late 2024 study published in the journal Chemosphere by the Autonomous University of Barcelona revealed that some tea bags release hundreds of millions of micro and nano-plastics during steeping. The research looked at filters made of Nylon 6, polypropylene, and cellulose. They found that these particles could be absorbed by human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body.

3. Is it harmful to your body?

Many people ask: are microplastics in tea bags harmful to human health? Based on current scientific reports, the risk appears to be very low. While the global production of plastic exceeds 300 million tons a year and billions of tons have accumulated in the environment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reviewed the risks and issued a summary report.

The core finding is that while microplastics are widespread in our water, food, and air, there is no definitive evidence yet that they pose a significant risk to human health. Even if microplastics are detected in our blood, it does not automatically mean they are causing damage. It is very hard to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship because we are exposed to so many different chemicals daily. Therefore, we do not need to panic about the microplastics found in our tea.

4. Finding safer brands and solutions

Since the health risk is low, most commercial brands are considered safe for occasional use. However, if you are looking for how to avoid microplastics in tea bags, the focus should be on choosing products that are as natural as possible and minimally processed.

When looking for a microplastics in tea bags brand that prioritizes safety, it is helpful to look for those using plant-based filters. Allow me to introduce our own brand, Laicuherb. Our raw materials are entirely sourced from natural herbs with zero additives. Our formulas are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture, aiming to promote health through natural ways.

While it is hard to avoid plastic entirely in modern packaging, Laicuherb uses non-woven fabrics and corn fiber bags for the actual tea bags. This means the microplastic risk is mostly limited to the outer packaging, making the internal content very clean and safe to drink.

 

   About the Author