Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Researchers from the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (Ecoton), an environmental research and conservation organization, have detected microplastics contamination in tea bags used in some of Indonesia’s popular tea brands.
Rafika Aprilianti, a microplastics researcher at Ecoton, explained that the study examined five widely consumed tea brands in Indonesia. The findings revealed the presence of microplastics in tea bags.
“Tea bags can release microplastics into the tea due to the heating process. Heat, UV light, and friction can cause plastic to degrade into microplastics,” Rafika said in a statement, as reported by Kumparan.
Testing Process and Findings
The study tested five popular tea bags brand two common brewing methods used by Indonesian consumers.
- In the first method, tea bags were placed in water during the heating process until the temperature reached 95°C.
- In the second method, tea bags were added after the water had reached 95°C and stirred for five minutes.
“For each brand and brewing method, we used 200 ml of water,” Rafika noted.
She stated that all five tea bags products examined in the study were found to release microplastics when brewed. The study underscores growing concerns about the potential health risks of microplastics.
Health Risks of Microplastics
Microplastics are foreign particles to the human body and pose serious health risks. According to Rafika, ingestion of microplastics can lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer.
“Once inside the body, these tiny particles can be absorbed through the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. From there, they can spread to various organs, including muscles, the liver, kidneys, heart, and even the brain,” she warned.
Because microplastics are difficult to break down, they tend to accumulate in the body over time. “The presence of microplastics in the body can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. In the long run, this may lead to chronic inflammation, cell death, and an increased risk of severe health conditions,” she added.
Safer Alternatives to Tea Bags
To avoid microplastic contamination, Rafika recommends using loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags. She suggests brewing tea with a stainless steel strainer, teapot, or French press.
“In the past, brewing tea was simpler, more natural, and free from plastic contamination. Tea was steeped directly using loose leaves in a teapot or cup, without plastic-based tea bags. Not only was this method more natural, but it was also more environmentally friendly,” she explained.
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Citing a 2024 study published in the Environmental Science journal, Rafika noted that Indonesia is the second-largest consumer of microplastics, after Malaysia. “One of the biggest sources, besides beverage cartons and general waste, comes from tea bags,” she added.
The findings raise concerns about the potential health risks of microplastic exposure through daily tea consumption, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more sustainable brewing alternatives.
(Raidi/Agung)
