Chewing Gum and Microplastics: What You Need to Know

You might not think twice about popping a piece of chewing gum into your mouth, but a recent study has brought attention to something surprising—chewing gum could be releasing microplastics into your saliva. These tiny plastic particles, which are found in both synthetic and natural gums, are becoming a growing concern, especially as we learn more about their potential health risks.

How Chewing Gum Could Release Microplastics

The study, presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring meeting in San Diego, found that chewing gum releases hundreds to thousands of microplastics for every gram of gum. For perspective, some gums can release up to 600 microplastics per gram. Since each piece of gum weighs around 2-6 grams, that means every time you chew, you could be swallowing hundreds of these tiny plastic particles.

Dr. Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher from UCLA, noted that while the health effects of microplastics are still uncertain, they are becoming an unavoidable part of our daily lives. The goal of the research was to explore how much microplastic we’re actually ingesting through everyday products like chewing gum—something most of us do without a second thought.

Synthetic and Natural Gums: No Difference in Microplastic Content

One of the most surprising findings of the study was that both synthetic and natural gums released similar amounts of microplastics. Synthetic gums, which are made with petroleum-based plastics, were expected to release more microplastics. However, the researchers found that natural gums, often marketed as healthier alternatives, released almost the same amount.

Natural chewing gums typically use plant-based ingredients like tree sap, but the study’s results raise questions about how these microplastics end up in them. Researchers are still trying to figure out where these particles come from, as it wasn’t expected for natural gums to contain the same level of microplastics as synthetic ones.

Why Should We Care About Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are smaller than 5 millimeters, and they are increasingly found in our food, water, air, and even inside our bodies. Experts like Dr. Tracey Woodruff from UCSF have pointed out that we are exposed to microplastics in many ways—through plastic packaging, water bottles, and even the air we breathe. But when chewing gum is added to the list, it feels a little unsettling.

The health effects of microplastics are still being studied, but early research has linked them to potential risks to human health. Some studies suggest that microplastics may affect our digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Additionally, there’s concern that they could contribute to conditions like cancer.

The problem is, as Dr. Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health, mentions, we are already exposed to microplastics from so many other sources, so adding gum to the mix just increases the total exposure.

What Does This Mean for You?

While we don’t yet have conclusive evidence that chewing gum is harmful because of its microplastic content, it’s worth considering the potential risks. If you’re concerned about your exposure to microplastics, it might be a good idea to reduce your gum-chewing habits. This is especially true for children, whose developing bodies might be more vulnerable to these particles.

Interestingly, both synthetic and natural gums seem to have similar amounts of microplastics, so choosing one over the other won’t necessarily reduce your exposure. Reducing or eliminating gum chewing altogether might be one way to limit the amount of plastic you’re ingesting.

Is It Time to Quit Chewing Gum?

For those who chew gum regularly, this new information might be a bit shocking. After all, gum is something many of us chew without much thought. However, as more is understood about the potential risks of microplastics, it’s important to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. If you want to limit your exposure to microplastics, cutting back on or stopping chewing gum altogether might be an option to consider.

In the end, it’s all about being aware of the everyday products we use and how they might be contributing to our exposure to plastics. Whether you choose to continue chewing gum or not, it’s good to know what’s inside the things we consume, even if it’s something as simple as a piece of gum.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11697325/ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517