Tea bags are convenient, portable, and make for easy clean-up, but they may counteract the health benefits famously associated with drinking tea. For example, recent news has reported studies that found tea sold in supermarkets around the world contains unexpectedly high levels of contaminants. We all drink tea for many reasons, but drinking it for health often tops the list. If you are concerned about what your tea might contain and what your options are, you are in the right place.
Tea bags can contain several types of toxins including microplastics, bleach and other whitening processes, epichlorohydrin (a type of plastic), staples and adhesive closures. You can avoid tea bag contaminants by using loose leaf tea, making your own tea bags, and purchasing reusable or disposable fillable tea bags.
Even organic teas often have chemicals or plastic in their tea bags, but manufacturers are not required to disclose these things since they’re not part of the actual ingredient of the tea.
While tea itself is a healthy beverage, the hidden contaminants in tea bags may be cause for concern.
In this article, I’ll make sure you know about four toxins you might find in your tea bags, and how you can avoid them.
“Tea bags can contain several types of toxins including microplastics, bleach and other whitening processes, epichlorohydrin (a type of plastic), staples and adhesive closures. You can avoid tea bag contaminants by using loose leaf tea, making your own tea bags, and purchasing reusable or disposable fillable tea bags.”
TEA CROSSING
The Main Sources of Toxins in Tea Bags
Although tea bags have to conform to FDA regulations for packaging that comes into contact with food, their standards are considered minimally acceptable baselines by most people who are concerned about potential contaminants.
After reviewing studies regarding toxins inherent to the components of tea bags, I have found these to be the most likely cause for concern:
- Microplastics
- Bleach and other whitening processes
- Epichlorohydrin
- Staples and adhesive closures
Toxins are the result of either the materials used to make the tea bags or the manufacturing process itself. The best thing to do if you’re worried about toxins in tea bags is to reduce or eliminate your use of tea bags and choose ethical companies that use clean growing and manufacturing practices.
Although we will briefly cover toxins that can be found in tea leaves themselves, this article mainly deals with the different types of tea bags and potential dangers they pose to consumers.
Though a tea bag is not an actual ingredient of the tea itself, it still has the potential to introduce toxic elements due to the combination of heat and direct contact with the tea leaves and water.
“As many of us move toward more healthy lifestyles, it’s crucial to stay informed on potential issues with the products we bring into our homes.”
TEA CROSSING
Toxin #1: Microplastics
As the name implies, micro- and nano-plastics are very small plastic particles. They do not describe any one type of plastic, but rather any kind that fits the size specifications.
Research is still ongoing as to what risks there are to humans in ingesting microplastics. However, it is known that nano-plastics are small enough to permeate human cells, and they can carry bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants that may be damaging when ingested.
Not only that, but micro- and nano-plastics have known negative impacts on ecosystems and animals, which are only getting worse over time. People who are concerned about human effects on the environment will likely want to avoid introducing any more plastics—especially single-use plastics like tea bags—if it can be avoided.
Last year, researchers from McGill University found that certain tea bags release billions of micro- and nano-plastics when steeped in hot water and that a majority of tea bags had at least some plastic content.
Although the long-term effects of ingesting those plastics are not known, it’s enough to give a tea-drinker pause before putting those extra toxins in their body and the environment.
Do all Tea Bags Contain Microplastics?
While some tea bags are made entirely from wood (paper) or natural fabric (cotton, hemp), the majority of tea bags do contain some plastic unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer.
The tea bags with the highest plastic content are those high-end teas that use silky, pyramid-shaped tea bags (also called sachets). Despite their common name, they are not made from silk, but from woven plastic fibers. The most common plastics used to make these tea bags are polypropylene, rayon, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Although we ingest microplastics from other sources, the McGill University study alarmed many people because the number of plastic particles identified by researchers was much higher than from any other known source. Research has not yet determined conclusively how much plastic humans consume regularly, but preliminary results indicate that it is a higher amount than we realize.
Meanwhile, other tea bags that appear to be made from paper or fabric can also contain micro- and nano-plastics. Since the plastic content can be as low as 10% of the total fibers, it can be difficult to identify all the components of the bag.
The plastic material in a tea bag is not usually advertised, but if you see any kind of heat seal on the bag, you can be confident it has some sort of plastic components.
Plastics of all sorts tend to break down in the heat, so it’s no surprise that even those plastic tea bags with high melting points can leach plastic particles into your beverage. Nano-plastic particles are found in other types of plastic food containers such as water bottles, but the addition of heat makes the level found in the resulting cup of tea many times higher than in other foods.
You should also note that most plastics used in tea bags are not recyclable or biodegradable, so they lead to increased plastic contamination of the planet.
PLA (polylactic acid) Tea Bags
This material for making tea bags that has been touted as a non-toxic alternative is polylactic acid, commonly abbreviated as PLA. It is sometimes called a bioplastic. Polylactic acid is derived from corn starch, which means that some companies will proudly claim their tea bags are plant-based and biodegradable. However, it’s slightly more complicated than it first appears.
Plant-based plastics are still plastics, and while it is technically biodegradable, PLA takes specific conditions to break down. Even when it does break down, it leaves behind compounds that are harmful to humans. PLA is a better choice than petroleum-based plastics in terms of environmental impact but cannot be said to be the safest option for food use.
Note that PLA should not be used in home composting situations since it is only rated to break down in high heat under industrial composting conditions. Since it starts to decompose at a temperature higher than boiling water, logically, it should be safe for use in tea bags. However, for those who want to avoid plastics in all forms, PLA should be included on that list.
Toxin #2: Bleach and Other Whitening Processes
There are several types of whitening properties with differing levels of toxicity. Chlorine bleach is the oldest and most toxic type of bleach but is not commonly used in food products now. Instead, chlorine-free bleaching is used to get a similar result with far fewer dioxins than chlorine bleach processing. However, some chlorine can remain, despite the name.
Chlorine-free bleaching uses chemicals that do not produce any chlorine by-products, and for that reason is the safest of the traditional bleaching methods. More recently, some companies have moved to an oxygen whitening process, which avoids chlorine toxicity completely. This method makes the fibers of the tea bag appear whiter by forcing oxygen between the fibers.
Why Are (Some) Tea Bags Bleached?
Tea bags can be made from a variety of materials, including cellulose wood, cotton, and rayon. Most of these materials don’t result in a white tea bag naturally, and the untreated color may look dirty or unpleasant to consumers.
A white paper tea bag is the stereotype that most people will think of when they envision a tea bag, so it would be counter to many people’s preconceived notions to see a color other than white. To fulfill customers’ expectations, tea companies use bleach or another whitening process to get the desired appearance.
If your tea bag is pure, bright white, you can be fairly sure that it has undergone some sort of whitening process. Most brands that do not use bleach will specify on the packaging that their tea bags are made from unbleached materials.
Toxin #3: Epichlorohydrin
When it comes into contact with water, epichlorohydrin hydrolyzes to 3-MCPD, which is also a known carcinogen when tested on rats in laboratory conditions. Additionally, the EPA lists epichlorohydrin as a likely carcinogen based on animal studies, which could cause health issues in humans when consumed over time.
Note that companies using epichlorohydrin in their manufacturing process will often say it is not detectable in tea made with their tea bags, so you’ll need to determine whether that assurance gives you enough peace of mind. Although several companies have moved away from using it, epichlorohydrin is still quite common for manufacturing paper tea bags.
Why are (Some) Tea Bags Treated with Epichlorohydrin?
Epichlorohydrin is a type of plastic that strengthens paper tea bags, so they’re less likely to break open in hot water.
The amount of epichlorohydrin remaining in cups of tea made with treated tea bags (about 50 parts per billion) is shown to be well under the EPA’s allowable level, but the agency’s recommended amount to consume is none.
Several major brands of tea are manufactured without the use of epichlorohydrin, including Stash Organics, Gaia Herbs, and Buddha Teas, who offer tea bags that are free of epichlorohydrin and other potentially harmful chemicals in their manufacturing processes. Tea bags made from muslin or cotton would not need this particular chemical since their inherent strength is more than that of paper.
Toxin #4: Staples and Adhesive Closures
The goal of keeping tea inside the bag can be achieved in a variety of ways—glue, staples, heat-sealing, and tying with string being the most common. Several of these methods have the potential to leach undesirable chemicals into your cup of tea, so make sure you check which way for closing was used before purchasing.
Are Heat-Sealed Tea Bags Safe?
Heat sealing simply means that heat has been applied while the two open sides of the tea bag are pressed together, and they melt enough to bond the bag shut. Tea bags that are heat-sealed with a crimped edge can generally be closed this way because they have some plastic content, even if the bag appears to be made of paper. You’ll find heat sealing in most string-free paper tea bags, as well as the silky pyramid-shaped sachet tea bags.
We’ve already mentioned the potential issues of micro- and nano-plastics that can be present in many tea bags. The process of heat-sealing itself should not cause any additional problems but will give you a clue when you’re trying to determine if a tea bag contains plastics or not.
Are Glued Tea Bags Safe?
Less common than heat-sealing, you might see tea bags that appear to be glued closed. This can be concerning, since putting adhesives in hot water almost certainly means that some of them will dissolve into your cup of tea. To be considered safe for use in food products, regulations require that glue used in a tea bag be a “food-grade adhesive.” This means it has been tested for consumption and doesn’t pose a danger.
You might be surprised to hear, though, that some food-grade adhesives actually contain gluten. For those who have celiac or severe sensitivity to gluten, this exposure to a small amount of gluten from a wheat-based resin could cause a severe reaction. This is another good reason to avoid glued tea bags if possible.
Tea bags that are sealed with glue are not generally considered to be harmful, but there are still plenty of compelling reasons to look for a brand of tea bags that are sealed with a more natural method. For most of us, we want our cup of tea to contain tea and would prefer to avoid anything else.
Are the Staples in Tea Bags Safe?
Most staples used in tea bags are made from aluminum or stainless steel and are specifically made to be used with food products with a food-grade metal or coating. However, it’s difficult to find information about the material the staples are made from, and imported teas may not have the same standards as those made to be sold in the United States.
Last year India banned the use of staples in tea bags due mainly to the danger of people accidentally ingesting the staple when it came loose in a cup of tea. We’ve seen more tea makers moving toward alternative methods of sealing tea bags in recent years since many consumers have a preference for fully recyclable or compostable options.
In fact, there are several other effective options for sealing tea bags, so staples are likely to be phased out by most brands as they have no real benefits and several apparent drawbacks.
Are String-and-Tag Tea Bags Safe?
The best option for sealing a tea bag, from a consumer’s perspective for avoiding toxins, is one that is folded and tied closed. Ideally, the bag will be tied using a string made from organic, unbleached cotton, or a similar non-toxic material. Since the tie closure negates the need for melted plastics, staples, or glue, this type of closure avoids unwanted toxins that might be introduced by other sealing methods.
Shapes and Materials Used to Make Tea Bags: Which are safe?
The main shapes of tea bags are pyramid, round, square, and string-and-tag. The shape can give you a clue about the manufacturing and sealing process, which can also help you determine which will least likely to have toxic chemicals.
Are Silk Tea Bags Safe?
Silken tea bags are most often pyramid-shaped. They are generally made from nylon, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or corn-based PLA.
Because of the shape, which is designed to allow more space for tea leaves to unfurl and infuse, they have to be sealed with either heat or an adhesive. This shape has too many seams for folding and string to keep the bag closed effectively.
Silk tea bags are generally considered to be the worst option when it comes to micro- and nano-plastics being released into the cup of tea. This is because they usually have the highest plastic content. This type leached the highest number of plastics in the McGill study.
Are Pillow Tea Bags Safe?
Pillow tea bags are round and square tea bags that may or may not have a string and tag. They are heat-sealed around the outside edge with the tea leaves in the middle, leading to their pillow-like shape.
Like pyramid tea bags, they are most likely to be made with some plastic fibers woven in, which is used to heat-seal the bag.
Pillow tea bags are a better option than silken tea bags, but still are likely to introduce plastics into your tea. In addition, since they’re often made with a combination of paper and plastic fibers, they are likely to be among the tea bags that use epichlorohydrin in the manufacturing process.
Are Paper Filter Tea Bags Safe?
Paper filter tea bags are generally manufactured as the traditional string-and-tag type, or what most people think of as a tea bag shape. Of all the tea bag options, these are the most likely to be plastic-free. Most plastic-free tea bags are string-and-tag shaped, but not all string-and-tag tea bags are plastic-free.
However, like pillow tea bags, there’s potential that these are not 100% paper. If there are one or more seams without a clear means of closure, it’s probably heat-sealed. Heat sealing requires plastic components to melt together. Remember that 100% paper tea bags are more likely to have used epichlorohydrin content during the manufacturing process to increase their strength in water.
If you are unsure and you want to experiment, you could try heating the tea bag with a lighter to see if it melts or burns. Melting is a sure sign of some type of plastic, while a clean burn would indicate paper or natural fibers.
The safest type of paper filter tea bag will be one that clearly advertises the content of the tea bag and specifies what is (and isn’t) used in the manufacturing process. It may not be evident from the wording on the box, but you can usually find this information on the tea-maker’s website or by contacting the company directly to inquire.
Can Tea Bags Cause Disease?
There haven’t been any definitive studies directly linking tea bags to increase cancer risk in humans. However, studies indicate that several of the chemicals found in tea bags may contribute to cancers developing. Epichlorohydrin exposure caused the growth of tumors, both benign and malignant, in studies using rats.
Anecdotally, several populations of employees who were exposed to epichlorohydrin in the course of their work showed increased levels of lung cancers. Epichlorohydrin has been classified in Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).
Microplastics, including those found in tea made with tea bags, can potentially leach known carcinogens into the body. Specifically, bisphenol A and phthalates are associated with adverse health outcomes in humans. Bisphenols have been linked to reduced fertility. Both phthalates and bisphenols interfere with hormones in men and women. Phthalates are linked to breast cancer and birth defects.
Although these facts can be scary, remember that animal studies don’t necessarily reflect the level of danger inherent in daily exposure to these risk factors. If you enjoy an occasional cup of bagged tea, you’re likely not exposing yourself to dangerous levels of toxins. However, if you’re a person who enjoys several cups a day, it’s probably wise to take a look at some of our risk-reducing recommendations discussed later.
Are There Toxins in the Tea Itself?
Aside from the tea bag, you might also be wondering about toxins present in the tea leaves or other herbs. Studies have shown that popular tea brands contain traces of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, which can still be identified in the brewed tea. Tea plants can absorb pollution from the soil, including arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals.
It’s best to look for organic teas, although even this is not a guarantee that you’ll avoid toxic chemicals because of pesticide drift. While conventional farming allows for the use of over 900 synthetic pesticides, organic farmers are limited to only 27 pesticide products, which have been thoroughly evaluated for safety.
As a general rule, you’ll probably be able to spot which tea companies are working toward fewer toxins as they’ll use that as part of their marketing.
Don’t just believe what it says on the box, though. Make sure to do your own research to be sure the tea is grown in safe conditions and contains as few additives as possible.
Is Loose Leaf Tea Safer than Tea Bags?
Now that we have reviewed the types of chemicals and toxins that can be present in tea bags, it’s easy to understand why the best recommendation for avoiding these potential dangers is to drink a quality, organic loose leaf tea.
For many devoted tea drinkers, loose leaf tea also provides a better drinking experience because it retains more of its original aroma and flavor. It tends to be fresher than bagged tea as well.
Tips for Avoiding Toxins in your Tea Bag
While all of the information above might seem daunting and, well, depressing, we all have some options.
Here are several things you can do to avoid toxins in your tea bags:
- Naturally, you won’t have to worry about toxins in your tea bag if you don’t use a tea bag. Get a quality, loose-leaf tea, and brew it in a glass or stainless steel teapot. Avoid silicone and plastic for your tea accessories.
- Make your own tea bags using unbleached organic cotton fabric and thread. These are reusable and washable, and by making your own you can control exactly what materials are used.
- Purchase reusable, fillable unbleached organic tea bags, if you prefer not to make your own.
- Purchase disposable, fillable tea bags if you prefer the convenience of not needing to wash your tea bags.
- If you choose to purchase traditional bagged tea, select brands that state the origin of their products, and are transparent about manufacturing practices. Avoid bleach, plastics, epichlorohydrin, staples, and PLA.
- Avoid over-steeping your tea, since the amount of potential contamination increases the longer you leave the tea bag in hot water. This is especially important if you’re drinking conventional bagged tea instead of loose leaf tea.
- Never reuse tea bags since the increased stress on the material can cause more break down of toxins into your second cup.
Sobering Final Thoughts
Given the preponderance of evidence from multiple studies, it’s clear that most conventional tea bags carry some risk of introducing unwanted toxins from the material or manufacturing process.
Many companies are making strides toward reducing the contaminants and moving toward more sustainable and clean production, while others are lagging behind with conventional methods.
Since there are rapid changes, we’d recommend you keep up-to-date on what your favorite brands are doing. You can also contact the company directly to let them know that it’s essential to have transparency about the type of tea bag used when you’re deciding which teas to buy.
As many of us move toward more healthy lifestyles, it’s crucial to stay informed on potential issues with the products we bring into our homes. Tea bags may seem to be innocent and inconsequential since they’re just the means of brewing the beverage itself.
It can be easy to overlook the potential toxins a tea bag can introduce into your cup of tea, so it pays to be cautious and investigate the company and its production methods before you buy their tea.