If you’re a regular ScienceAlert reader, you know how pervasive microplastics are, invading human tissue, ancient rocks, and bottled water, but how many of these tiny pieces are in a single tea bag? It can be a shock to find out just what’s lurking around.
A new study led by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain has found that soaking individual tea bags can release billions of micro and nanoplastic (MNPL) particles per millimeter. It turns out that there is something.
While these numbers may seem shockingly high, they are consistent with previous studies that looked at combinations of plastic and high heat, such as food containers placed in microwaves. It is a solemn reminder that: penetration rate MNPL’s.
“Using a suite of cutting-edge techniques, we were able to innovatively characterize these contaminants, which will help advance research into their potential effects on human health. It’s a very important tool.” say microbiologist Alba Garcia-Rodriguezfrom UAB.
previous research Researchers have expressed concern about the amount of synthetic particulates from tea bags and their potential health effects, and here they say that using a selection of commercially available tea bags, it is possible to I wanted to investigate as thoroughly as possible.
By measuring the speed and scattering of light using laser technology, they were able to determine the chemical and physical properties of the particles emitted by the tea bags with great precision.
We tested three types of tea bags. Those made primarily of polypropylene released about 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometers. Cellulose bags release an average of 135 million particles (approximately 244 nanometers in size) per milliliter. Nylon 6 teabags typically released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.
The researchers also tested how MNPL particles interacted with human intestinal cells and found that in mucus-producing cells, absorption levels were sufficient for the plastic to reach the cell nucleus. This is a useful finding in assessing the health effects of plastics. floating inside our bodies.
“The polymer composition of MNPL has a profound effect on its biological interactions, leading to different targeting and effects on organs, tissues, and cells.” write The researchers state in their published paper:
“These differences can lead to specific accumulation patterns, toxicity profiles, immune responses, and long-term health effects such as genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.”
The research team calls for further efforts to standardize the use of plastics in food packaging to protect public health. Although many questions remain about the impact,There is mounting evidence that the increasing presence of small plastic particles can put ecosystems and our own health at risk.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are thought to interfere with the normal functioning of cells and have the potential to cause infections. Plastic in the gut has also been linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
“As the use of plastics in food packaging continues to increase, scientific research and policy-making must address the challenges posed by MNPL contamination to ensure food safety and consumer well-being. .” write researchers.
This study Chemosphere.
