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.

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.

  • @Uriel_Copy
    45•3 months ago

    This is one I wish I hadn’t read 😮‍💨

  • @[email protected]
    28•3 months ago

    Lol my uncle bought me this set of nice teas all wrapped in little nylon pyramids. Threw that shit straight in the trash

      • @[email protected]
        19•3 months ago

        I got plastics on my mind, I got plastics in my brain, I don’t want any more cause its driving me insane

    • @MonkeyDatabase
      8•3 months ago

      Coulda just ripped the bag open and done loose leaf. Or place in an infuser.

        • @MonkeyDatabase
          3•3 months ago

          Mitigation is important. Abstinence is pointless. Microplastics are everywhere.

          I just thought it was overkill and seemed kinda wasteful. It’s not asbestos. You could have re-gifted to a conservative family member if you think it’s so bad. Play the long con.

          • @[email protected]
            1•3 months ago

            I agree for the most part, I just avoid plastic where I can. I think my mom ended up drinking them. I don’t see a point in trying to regift or pawn off plastic, it belongs in the trash in my view.

  • Pirky
    18•3 months ago

    I remember reading something like this about a decade ago. It’s why I much prefer loose leaf tea and use a metal sieve/strainer.

    • @bustAsh
      7•3 months ago

      I have a French press. Think I’ll start brewing my tea in that now. Thanks

  • @[email protected]
    15•3 months ago

    Is there a way to tell whether teabags use these materials? It’s not really something listed in the ingredients

    • @lemmy_outta_here
      10•3 months 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.

      • TipRingEnglish
        4•3 months 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
        2•3 months 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
          2•3 months ago

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

    • @RustyHeater
      1•3 months ago

      Linked Source here. Sample 3 is a round teabag which is a distinct feature of Tetley tea. Although I’m sure other brands may use that design too.

    • @iAvicenna
      1•3 months ago

      some brands write on their packaging that the bags are plant based. pukka is one of them, PG tips another.

  • @Serinus
    5•3 months ago

    Well, I guess I better not throw out all my tea bags just before Christmas.

    “Oh. You got me… cancer. Thanks.”

  • @rickdg
    4•3 months ago

    Call me plastic-man 🤪

  • @captainlezbian
    1•3 months ago

    Yeah that study convinced my wife and I to switch to lose leaf