What if the cup of tea you were drinking was harmful to your health? The culprit: plastic microparticles that may be present in it. This is ironic considering many consumers turn to this superfood for its beneficial properties. So how can you enjoy your cup of tea without fear? At Teatower, we have the solution!
The Plastic Scandal in Tea Water
A scientific study published three years ago caused a stir in both the media and the tea world. It reveals that plastic teabags release billions of harmful plastic microparticles into consumers' cups.
A single teabag can release 13 to 16 micrograms of plastic into just one cup of tea. These levels are quite alarming and significantly higher than those previously detected in other foods. The issue stems from the high temperature of the water needed for tea infusion, which releases 300 times more particles than water at room temperature (22°C).
What Risks Do Microparticles Pose to Consumer Health?
The impact of plastic microparticles on humans is not yet precisely determined. However, anatomical and behavioral anomalies have been observed in water fleas exposed to these substances. As a precaution, the researchers behind this study simply recommend avoiding the use of plastic teabags.
Our Commitment at Teatower
At Teatower, we didn't wait for this scandal to arise to choose risk-free teabags from the start. Ours are made from non-GMO corn starch, ensuring they are 100% natural and healthy.
Made from corn, they are also 100% biodegradable. This packaging choice is respectful not only of our customers' health but also of the environment.
An Alternative to Plastic Teabags
The majority of our recipes are available in natural teabags. However, if a particular variety does not come in this format, you can also purchase it loose and use paper, cotton, or stainless steel filters for infusion. These options further contribute to eco-friendliness by reducing your ecological footprint.
*September 25, 2019, ACS Environmental Science & Technology, Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea, Laura M. Hernandez, Elvis Genbo Xu, Hans C. E. Larsson, Rui Tahara, Vimal B. Maisuria, and Nathalie Tufenkji.