Study: Daily Beverages Contain Microplastic Particles

SadaNews - A recent study conducted by the University of Birmingham in Britain revealed high levels of microplastic particles in common daily beverages such as tea and coffee, raising concerns about their impact on health and the environment.

According to what was reported by News Medical, these particles, found in blood, the brain, and the testes, are a widespread component in our bodies, with hot and cold beverages being one of the main sources of their entry.

Researchers examined 155 types of common beverages including hot and iced tea, juices, energy drinks, and soft drinks.

The results showed that hot beverages contained the highest levels of microplastic particles, linked to high temperatures and preparation methods.

According to the study, the concentrations of plastic particles in the beverages (per liter) were as follows:

Hot tea: 49–81 particles
Hot coffee: 29–57 particles
Iced tea: 24–38 particles
Iced coffee: 31–43 particles
Fruit juices: 19–41 particles
Energy drinks: 14–36 particles
Soft drinks: 13–21 particles

According to the study, single-use coffee cups are the main source of particles in hot coffee.

The study indicated that hot tea served in single-use cups has the highest concentration, averaging 22 particles per cup, compared to 14 particles in glass cups.

High-quality tea bags also released larger quantities, reaching 24–30 particles per cup.

Professor Mohamed Abdullah, one of the study's leaders, stated: "Most research has focused on drinking water, but people consume tea, coffee, and juices daily. The presence of microplastic particles in all the beverages we studied raises significant concerns and calls for deeper research to identify other sources."

This study represents a crucial step in understanding the extent of exposure to plastic particles from food sources and calls for health and environmental measures to reduce this proliferation.

Experts encourage reducing the use of plastic cups and bags and shifting to more sustainable alternatives to mitigate the risks associated with these particles.