The Plastic in Your Premium Tea
Many of us have switched to pyramid or 'silky' mesh tea bags, believing them to be a higher quality option for our brew. However, many of these premium bags are made from plastics like nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). When steeped in near-boiling
water, these plastics can break down and release billions of microplastic and even smaller nanoplastic particles into your cup. One 2019 study from McGill University found a single plastic tea bag could release over 11 billion microplastics and 3 billion nanoplastics. Even some traditional paper tea bags use plastic sealants to hold their shape, which can also contribute to the problem.
More Than Just Plastic in Tea Leaves
Beyond plastics, tea plants (Camellia sinensis) can absorb substances from the soil and environment in which they are grown. Studies, including some on black tea leaves available in India, have detected the presence of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These metals can find their way into the soil through pollution and the use of certain pesticides and fertilisers. While tests on many commercial brands have found these metals to be within permissible regulatory limits, consistent low-level exposure to neurotoxins like lead is a health concern for experts.
The Unsavory Truth About Salt
The issue extends from the teacup to the salt shaker. Microplastics are now pervasive in our oceans, and as a result, they have been found in commercial sea salt around the world. A recent study by the organisation Toxics Link found microplastics in all tested Indian salt brands, including table salt, rock salt, and sea salt. The study found that iodised salt had the highest concentration of particles. While unrefined sea salt might seem like a natural choice, it can have higher levels due to direct evaporation from polluted seawater, whereas highly refined salts may have lower levels due to extra filtering.
What Are the Health Risks?
The discovery of microplastics in our food is unsettling, but what does it mean for our health? This is an area of urgent and ongoing research. Scientists are concerned about the long-term effects of accumulation in the body. Studies in laboratory settings suggest potential links to inflammation, disruptions to the gut microbiome, and hormonal changes. Plastics can also act like carriers, absorbing and releasing other harmful chemicals. While the direct harm to humans from ingesting microplastics at current levels is not definitively proven, the preliminary evidence has prompted calls for more research and caution.
Smarter Choices for a Cleaner Cup and Plate
The goal is not to panic, but to be aware and make informed choices to reduce exposure. For tea drinkers, the simplest switch is to loose-leaf tea brewed in a metal or ceramic infuser. If you prefer bags, look for brands that are explicitly certified as plastic-free and made from natural, unbleached paper. When it comes to salt, some studies suggest that rock salt may have lower concentrations of plastic than sea salt, but this isn't guaranteed. Storing salt in glass or steel containers rather than plastic can also help prevent further contamination. Ultimately, since microplastics are present across our environment, reducing overall plastic use in your daily life is the most effective strategy.
