What’s Lurking in Your Teabag? A Look at Toxins in Tea and How to Stay Safe

A swirling storm of smoke rises ominously from a cup of tea, symbolizing hidden toxins and the potential health hazards of modern tea production.

For many of us, a hot cup of tea represents calm, comfort, and a moment to reset. But beneath the surface of that soothing ritual, there’s growing concern over what’s actually being steeped—particularly when it comes to the materials used in tea bags and the quality of the tea itself.

Emerging research is shining a light on microplastics, industrial chemicals, and low-grade additives that may be leaching into our mugs without our knowledge. If you’ve never given much thought to the teabag itself, now might be a good time to start.

Microplastics in “Premium” Teabags

In a study conducted by researchers at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, scientists discovered that certain types of tea bags—especially those made of nylon, polypropylene, or some cellulose-based biodegradable materials—can release billions of micro- and nanoplastic particles into hot water. These particles aren’t just staying in your cup; laboratory findings indicate that they can interact with human intestinal cells and even enter the nuclei of those cells.

The long-term effects of this kind of exposure are still under investigation, but early concerns include inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and potential DNA damage. This is not the calming experience most people are signing up for when they brew a cup of herbal tea.

Chemical Treatments in Paper Tea Bags

Even paper tea bags aren’t immune to scrutiny. Reviewed.com highlighted a number of additives used in conventional bag manufacturing, including epichlorohydrin—a chemical treatment that helps strengthen paper bags when wet. While useful from a structural standpoint, epichlorohydrin is classified as potentially carcinogenic.

Additionally, chlorine-based bleaching agents are sometimes used to whiten paper bags, and glues used for sealing can introduce their own array of unlisted compounds. When these chemicals are exposed to boiling water, they can seep into the tea itself. These aren’t ingredients that appear on a label, but they can have an impact on your body over time.

Low-Quality Tea Dust and Additives

Beyond the bag, the contents themselves matter. Lower-cost tea blends often rely on what’s known as “tea dust”—the broken-down remnants of tea leaves that have less antioxidant content and may be more susceptible to contamination. These blends may also include synthetic flavorings or additives that aren’t always listed on the packaging. According to Cell Health News and Sehat Tak, these lesser-known ingredients may carry risks related to hormone disruption, immune interference, or pesticide exposure, especially with long-term use.

Practical Tips for Safer Tea Drinking

This doesn’t mean you need to give up tea altogether. With a few mindful choices, you can still enjoy your daily cup without unnecessary exposure to toxins:

• Choose loose-leaf tea whenever possible. It generally contains higher-quality leaves and avoids problematic packaging.

• If you prefer bagged tea, look for brands that use unbleached, organic paper and are transparent about their bag materials. Avoid anything labeled “silken,” which often means plastic.

• Stay away from artificially flavored teas that don’t disclose ingredients clearly.

• Brew your tea at slightly lower temperatures (170–185°F) to reduce the risk of leaching microplastics or chemicals from the bag.

• Support brands that openly discuss their sourcing and packaging practices.

Final Thoughts

Tea can still be part of a calming and nourishing routine—but in today’s world, it helps to stay informed. By paying attention to both the tea and the bag it comes in, you can make choices that support your health without sacrificing your rituals.

References

• SciTechDaily: “Billions of Nanoplastics Found in a Cup of Tea” – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

• Newsweek: “Billions of Microplastics Released From Tea Bags”

• Reviewed.com: “Why Your Tea Bag Might Be Toxic”

• Cell Health News: Chemical exposure and endocrine disruption from tea bag materials

• Sehat Tak: Tea dust, synthetic flavorings, and additive contamination risks