A simple tea bag could release billions of microplastics into your body, a silent threat to your health.
Tl;dr
- Billions of microplastics are released from tea bags.
- Microplastics can reach the nucleus of intestinal cells.
- We must standardize the use of plastics in food packaging.
The hidden reality of tea bags
In the world of tea, a shocking revelation has just fallen. A new study conducted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain has revealed that a simple tea bag can release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles in every millimeter of water in which it is immersed.
A disturbing presence
These numbers may seem alarming, but they are actually consistent with previous research that has studied the combination of plastics and high heat, such as microwaved food containers. Alba García-Rodríguez, microbiologist at UAB, explains: “We have succeeded in innovatively characterizing these pollutants using a set of cutting-edge techniques, which constitutes a very important tool for advancing research into their possible impacts on human health. »
Potential health hazards
Indeed, previous studies have raised concerns about the quantity and potential health impact of synthetic particles from tea bags. This research reveals that plastic particles can reach the nucleus of intestinal cells, which could hinder normal cell function and increase the likelihood of infections.
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Necessary action
Faced with this situation, the research team calls for standardization of the use of plastics in food packaging to protect public health. “As the use of plastics in food packaging continues to increase, scientific research and policy development must address the challenges posed by MNPL contamination to ensure food safety and consumer well-being »write the researchers.
What do we think?
Faced with these alarming results, there is an urgent need to rethink our use of plastic, particularly in food packaging. It is our responsibility to protect our health and our environment from the potential dangers of microplastics. The time has come to act, because our well-being and that of future generations depend on it.
Health
