Alarming levels of heavy metals found in tea bags: ESDO study

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 revealed dangerously high levels of heavy metals in tea bags sold in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about public health and consumer safety. 

The findings were released in Dhaka today in a research report titled "Brewing Toxicity: Uncovering Heavy Metal Risks in Tea Bags and Tea Leaves," following a nine-month investigation by ESDO, a non-government action research organisation.

Laboratory analysis of 13 samples collected from local markets – tea bags from 12 brands and loose-leaf tea – showed contamination far exceeding internationally accepted safe limits.

The 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.

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.

The 12 brands that were tested in the study are Dilmah, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC (Sri Lanka), Finlay Gold Black, Seylon, Bengal Classic Tea, Brooke Bond Taaza, Paragon, Ishpahani Mirzapur, Lipton Green Tea, Kazi Black Tea, Kazi Green Tea, Kazi Lemon grass Tea, and Tetley (Bangladesh).

According to health experts, lead and mercury hinder the intellectual development of children. Lead, cadmium, and arsenic increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks. They can impair liver and kidney function, and may cause infertility, miscarriage, and congenital defects. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cancer. Arsenic can thicken the skin, cause lesions, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Symptoms may also include abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet.

"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.

Terming the study findings "shocking," Md Nazmul Alam, a research officer of Bangladesh Tea Board, expressed that they were "not aware of the hazards that teabag packaging carries." He suggested that a "participatory approach" involving government stakeholders is needed for future studies.

Esmat Jahan, assistant director at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI), added, "We welcome ground-breaking studies like this. We will inform the responsible authorities with utmost urgency." 

She added, "We must do everything to ensure that our local tea industry is alive and thriving.