Daily Cup of Tea May Pose Health Risks, New Study Warns

A new study has raised alarms for tea enthusiasts, revealing that a single cup of tea brewed with a plastic tea bag may expose drinkers to billions of microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm in size that have increasingly become a concern in food, water, and even the air we breathe.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a physician and researcher affiliated with the University of Ottawa, microplastics are now being linked to a growing list of potential health risks, including cancer and reproductive issues. Citing a study published in the chemistry journal *ACS Publications*, Hyman noted that steeping just one plastic tea bag can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastic particles into a cup of hot water.

Despite tea’s well-known antioxidant benefits, Hyman warned consumers not to ignore the findings. He suggested that the level of microplastic exposure may depend on the material and quality of the tea bag used. As a safer alternative, he advised switching to organic loose leaf tea and using a stainless steel or glass strainer to help reduce plastic intake.

For those who prefer the convenience of tea bags, Hyman recommended choosing brands that avoid harmful substances such as bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, polypropylene, and epichlorohydrin. He suggested opting for tea bags made from organic hemp, cotton, or plant-based fibres instead.

Further research published in the journal *Chemosphere* examined the release of microplastics from three types of tea bags commonly found in stores and online—nylon, polypropylene, and one with an unidentified polymer. The results were striking. Polypropylene bags released up to 1.2 billion plastic particles per milliliter of tea, while nylon bags released 8.18 million particles per milliliter. The particles, mostly nano-sized, are small enough to potentially enter human cells and disrupt cellular processes.

Scientists remain concerned about the long-term impact of these microplastics, especially for vulnerable groups like children. Studies have shown possible connections between microplastic exposure and increased cancer cell activity as well as decreased sperm motility, raising deeper questions about reproductive health and disease risk.

With microplastics already prevalent in everyday life, from food packaging to water bottles, the findings highlight an often-overlooked source of exposure. As researchers continue to study the broader implications, choosing safer tea-making methods may prove to be a simple yet critical step toward protecting long-term health.