Microplastics found in tea bags, instant noodles and air

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 16:18 · Archive

Researchers warn that plastic tea bags and disposable instant noodle cups release thousands of microplastic particles when exposed to hot water.

Researchers have identified tea bags and instant noodle containers as significant sources of microplastic contamination. Scientists compared tea from 14 brands using plastic bags with 14 loose-leaf brands, steeping each for three minutes at 95 degrees Celsius. Plastic-bagged tea produced 555 to 2,498 microplastic particles per cup, whilst loose-leaf tea contained only 0.3 to 2.4 particles per cup. The microplastics in plastic-bagged tea were exclusively polyamide fibres — the material of the bags themselves — showing they were released by the bags during brewing.

Instant noodle buckets present another hidden source. Though they appear to be paper, these disposable containers are lined with plastic that leaches into hot water when the noodles are prepared. Researchers studied 20 samples from four Asian countries where instant noodles are most consumed.

Microplastics have also been found in human blood, lungs, placental tissue and arteries. Research suggests these particles may cause inflammation, DNA damage and hormone disruptions, and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and certain cancers. Scientists warn that microplastics enter the body through food, drink and breathing, and can accumulate in major organs including the bowel and liver.

How it is being reported

• Microplastics are raining down on Everest- how does this affect us?Microplastics have also been found in human blood, lungs, placental tissue, brains, livers and bowelsThe Independent · 30 Oct, 16:01
• Beloved comfort food may be exposing you to over 1,000 microplastic particles a weekBeyond water bottles and tea bags, scientists are warning of a new heat-triggered microplastic threat.New York Post · 29 Oct, 14:42
• ‘Critical warning’ as thousands of microplastic particles are found in popular beverageMicroplastics have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, cellular damage and certain cancers.New York Post · 28 Oct, 19:25

In this story: Mount Everest · New England Journal of Medicine · Medical Cert UK · China · Japan · South Korea · Thailand · Asia

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