Summary

A new study from Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that tea bags made from nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.

These particles, which can enter human intestinal cells, may pose health risks, potentially affecting the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems.

Researchers urge regulatory action to mitigate plastic contamination in food packaging.

Consumers are advised to use loose-leaf tea with stainless steel infusers or biodegradable tea bags to minimize exposure.

  • Flying Squid
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    11715 days ago

    What isn’t releasing billions of microplastic particles? We’re fucked.

    • @andrewta
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      5215 days ago

      When someone is getting laid and he drops a load in her, he’s probably injecting microplastics.

      Just a thought for next time you are in bed with someone.

      • Flying Squid
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        3815 days ago

        And if you don’t- the condom? Also releasing microplastics. That glass of water you have afterwards because you’re all hot and sweaty and thirsty? Also full of microplastics.

        • @SynonymousStoat
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          2215 days ago

          As long as you’re using latex/nitrile condoms you should be good as latex and nitrile aren’t plastics. Some of the alternatives for people with latex allergies can have plastic in them though.

          • @[email protected]
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            1615 days ago

            “This stuff is awesome! We can make it into any shape we want, it’s cheap, and amazingly durable! MAKE ALL THE THINGS PLASTIC!”

            We never stood a chance.

            • @[email protected]
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              1415 days ago

              When we had no clue, I mean yeah, sucks, but live and learn. But the fact that all of this evidence has emerged and not much has changed is what’s enraging.

              • @[email protected]
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                1015 days ago

                The manufacturers had a clue long before we did. Just like leaded gasoline. And fossil fuels in general. And cigarettes. And so on. Nothing changes until governments step in, which sends the “captains of industry” into tantrums like the spoiled pissbabies they are.

                That is even more enraging.

                • @aesthelete
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                  15 days ago

                  cigarettes

                  Speaking of, cigarette butts / discarded filters are a major source of microplastic pollution.

        • @SpruceBringsteen
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          715 days ago

          Smell that sheepskin condom?

          You just inhaled plastics.

      • dream_weasel
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        414 days ago

        Bro, I prescreen each injection for microplastics before sowing the oats. It’s just common courtesy. Don’t ask me about my reload process, if you have to ask you can’t afford it.

        • @andrewta
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          114 days ago

          Is this the one where you take a turkey baster and insert it?

    • Tiefling IRL
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      1815 days ago

      My tinfoil hat theory is that we’re going to find out that toothbrushes are a major source of them

        • @Dasus
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          715 days ago

          Vegans hate this one trick to avoid microplastics from toothbrushes; horsehair toothbrush.

          Also, you guys rinse your mouths, right?

          • @[email protected]
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            14 days ago

            Rinse your mouth? No thank you, I swallow it all! I paid for that toothpaste and I’m getting my money’s worth.

    • @essell
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      415 days ago

      I wonder if I am. Do I have enough in me that I’m emitting them?