A new study has found that both synthetic and natural chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, into your saliva. The research, presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, suggests that every gram of gum may contain around 100 microplastics, with some brands releasing up to 600 per gram.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) tested five synthetic and five natural chewing gums. Surprisingly, both types released similar amounts of microplastics, even though natural gums are often marketed as plastic-free.
– Microplastics per gram: ~100 (up to 600 in some cases)
– Common plastic type found: Polyolefins (used in packaging and plastic products)
– How they enter the body: Swallowed with saliva
Where Do These Microplastics Come From?
Chewing gum typically contains:
– Synthetic gum: Petroleum-based plastics for chewiness
– Natural gum: Plant-based polymers (like tree sap)
Even “natural” gums contained microplastics, leaving researchers puzzled about their source.
Are Microplastics Harmful?
Scientists still don’t fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastics, but early research suggests possible risks:
– Respiratory and digestive issues
– Potential links to cancer
– Hormonal disruptions
Dr. Sanjay Mohanty, the study’s lead researcher, clarified that the goal isn’t to scare people but to understand exposure levels.
The Bottom Line
While more research is needed, this study highlights yet another way microplastics enter our bodies. If you’re worried, cutting back on gum could be one way to reduce exposure.
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