UAB research has characterized in detail how polymer-based commercial tea bags release millions of nanoplastics and microplastics when infused. The study shows for the first time the capacity of these particles to be absorbed by human intestinal cells, and are thus able to reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

  • @lemmy_outta_here
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    101 month ago

    I have bad news: even “non-plastic” tea bags have plastic fibres woven into the paper/cloth. These fibres allow the material to be sealed with heat. Best to use loose leaf and a strainer.

    • TipRing
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      41 month ago

      I drink Barry’s which say they are 100% plastic free and biodegradable, but now I wonder how to find out if that is true.

    • @NotMyOldRedditName
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      1 month ago

      So my tea bags that have a little staple to keep it together might be okay?

      Edit: The other kind I have is the top folded over and the string tied through it, but no staple.

      • @lemmy_outta_here
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        21 month ago

        A staple is probably a good sign. I think the thermosealed ones have a crimped edge