Given that scientists do not know yet whether these microscopic particles are harmful to humans, the team also wanted to explore effects of the plastic on small aquatic organisms called "Daphnia Magna", or water fleas, which are model organisms often used in environmental studies.
To conduct their analysis, the researchers purchased four different commercial teas packaged in plastic teabags. The researchers then cut open the bags, removed the tea leaves and washed the empty bags.
Next, they heated the teabags in containers of water to simulate brewing conditions.
Using electron microscopy, the team found that a single plastic teabag at brewing temperature released about 11.6bn microplastic and 3.1bn nanoplastic particles into the water.
The researchers state that these levels are thousands of times higher than those reported previously in other foods.
In another experiment, the researchers treated water fleas with various doses of the micro and nanoplastics from tea bags.
Although the animals survived, the team reported that they did show some anatomical and behavioural abnormalities.
The researchers concluded that while the findings are concerning, further studies are needed to determine if the plastics could have more subtle or chronic effects on humans.
The company revealed that, as of October 2018, it had moved all production to a new type of tea bag that, instead of the plastic polypropylene seal, uses natural plant-based materials.
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