[Benzo(a)pyrene content in tea]

Six samples of different kinds and sorts of native tea and 103 samples of tea beverage were tested for the benz(a)pyrene (BP) content. The results of the study showed that the carcinogen content in native tea varied from 2.4 micrograms/kg (in mixed tea No 36) to 3.84 micrograms/kg (in the Georgean tea, sort 1). The BP content in the tea beverage depended on the technology of its production. The carcinogen presence and its content increase in a violated technology of tea production may be an important factor in the genesis of esophagus carcinoma.