Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have discovered that chewing gum releases hundreds of microplastics into the mouth with every chew. They also warned about the environmental impact of the rubber-based candy, which contributes to plastic pollution.

Microplastics-tiny plastic particles have become a major global concern, as they are found everywhere, from oceans and mountains to the air we breathe.

More alarmingly, these particles have also been detected inside the human body, including in the blood, lungs, and even the brain. Scientists fear prolonged exposure could have serious health consequences, though further research is needed to understand the full impact.

“I don’t want to alarm people,” said Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher of the study, as quoted by AFP. He emphasized that, as of now, there is no direct evidence proving that microplastics cause harm to human health.

The recent pilot study has shed light on a new way these invisible plastic particles enter our bodies through chewing gum.

Researchers conducted tests on the saliva of an individual who chewed seven pieces each from 10 different gum brands. Their analysis showed that a single gram of gum releases an average of 100 microplastic fragments, with some brands shedding over 600 particles.

Researchers estimate that individuals who chew around 180 pieces of gum annually could be ingesting approximately 30,000 microplastic particles. However, lead researcher Sanjay Mohanty clarified that the amount consumed through chewing gum is significantly lower compared to other sources of microplastic exposure. For instance, a litre of bottled water contains about 240,000 microplastic particles, according to a study from last year, as reported by AFP.

Synthetic gum and hidden ingredients

Scientists pointed out that most commercially available chewing gums fall under the category of synthetic gum, which includes petroleum-based polymers to achieve their chewy texture. Despite this, packaging labels do not explicitly list plastics as an ingredient, instead using vague terms like “gum-based.” “Nobody will tell you the ingredients,” Mohanty remarked.

A comparative analysis of five synthetic gum brands and five natural gum brands that are made from plant-based polymers like tree sap showed that both types contained microplastics in substantial amounts. Researchers found that nearly all microplastic particles were released within the first eight minutes of chewing.

David Jones, a researcher at the UK’s University of Portsmouth, who was not involved in the study, noted that people often react with shock when they learn that the polymers in chewing gum are similar to those found in car tyres, plastic bags, and bottles.

Environmental concerns

Beyond human ingestion, researchers also warned of the environmental impact caused by discarded chewing gum. When gum is spat out onto sidewalks, it contributes to plastic pollution, further exacerbating environmental concerns. The results were presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego.

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