Dangerously high levels of heavy metals found in teabags: Study
Experts warn that such high contamination poses long-term health risks for regular tea drinkers
Highlights
- ESDO study finds dangerous heavy metal contamination in tea bags sold in Bangladesh
- Lab tests detected chromium (up to 1,690 ppm), lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony, and even traces of uranium and thorium.
- Most Bangladeshis drink tea daily, but only 1% are aware of heavy metal contamination.
- ESDO calls for strict regulation, producer accountability, and public awareness to protect consumers.
A new study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has found dangerously high levels of heavy metals in tea bags sold in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about public health and consumer safety.
The findings are detailed in ESDO's research report titled "Brewing Toxicity: Uncovering Heavy Metal Risks in Tea Bags and Tea Leaves," which was released today (18 September) at the organisation's Dhaka headquarters.
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Laboratory analysis of 13 samples collected from local markets—12 tea bags and one loose-leaf tea—showed contamination far exceeding internationally accepted safe limits.
Tests found up to 1,690 ppm of chromium (safe limit 5 ppm), 51 ppm of lead (limit 5 ppm), 108 ppm of mercury (limit 0.3 ppm) and 14 ppm of arsenic (limit 2 ppm). The tea-bag packaging contained up to 154 ppm of antimony, and traces of uranium and thorium were also detected.
Experts warn that such high contamination poses long-term health risks for regular tea drinkers.
According to the study, 55% of Bangladeshis drink two to three cups of tea a day and 27% drink four or more, yet only about 1% of consumers are aware of the presence of heavy metals in tea bags.
On the positive side, the tea leaves were found to contain essential nutrients such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt.
"This is a clear violation of consumer rights and a major threat to public health," said ESDO Chairman Syed Marghub Morshed.
"We urge authorities, producers and all stakeholders to take immediate and effective action," he added.
The report stresses that stronger regulatory oversight and greater public awareness are urgently needed to tackle the crisis.
