The Hidden Danger of Chewing Gum: Microplastics in Your Mouth

Chewing Gum Releases Microplastics Into Your Mouth: What This Means for Your Health

Chewing gum is a beloved habit for many, whether to freshen breath, curb appetite, or simply pass the time. But recent research is raising new concerns about this seemingly harmless activity: chewing gum may be releasing hundreds of tiny microplastics directly into your mouth. While this study is still in its early stages and has not yet been peer-reviewed, it raises important questions about the environmental and health impacts of the plastics we inadvertently consume through everyday products like gum.

The Growing Microplastic Problem

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter, have been making headlines for their widespread presence in our environment. From the tops of the highest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches, these minuscule plastic fragments have found their way into almost every ecosystem on Earth. They are not only present in the natural world, but they are also found inside our bodies—through the food we eat, the water we drink, and now, potentially, the gum we chew. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, and even brains, sparking global concerns about the potential health consequences.

In the latest study, led by Sanjay Mohanty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), researchers investigated the extent to which chewing gum contributes to the growing microplastic burden inside our bodies. Their findings suggest that chewing gum could be a significant, yet underexplored, source of microplastic exposure.

The Study: How Gum Contributes to Microplastic Exposure

To investigate how much plastic ends up in our mouths when we chew gum, UCLA researcher Lisa Lowe chewed seven pieces of gum each from 10 different brands. Afterward, her saliva was analyzed for microplastics. The results were startling: on average, each gram of gum released about 100 microplastic fragments into her saliva. Some brands released as many as 600 microplastic particles per gram of gum. Given that a typical piece of gum weighs around 1.5 grams, people who chew a lot of gum—around 180 pieces a year—could be ingesting around 30,000 microplastics annually.

While these numbers might seem alarming at first glance, Mohanty and his team stress that this is just a small part of a much larger issue. In fact, microplastics are found in a wide range of everyday products, and humans ingest them in various ways. For comparison, researchers have estimated that a liter of water from a plastic bottle could contain around 240,000 microplastics.

What’s in Your Gum?

The vast majority of chewing gums on the market today are made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum, the same types of plastics found in everything from car tires to plastic bags and bottles. Despite this, the ingredients in gum packaging don’t typically list plastic as a component. Instead, they are often vaguely described as “gum-based,” leaving consumers in the dark about the actual materials inside.

The UCLA study tested both synthetic gum, which is petroleum-based, and natural gum, made with plant-based polymers such as tree sap. Surprisingly, microplastics were found in both types of gum. This finding indicates that plastic contamination may be more pervasive than we previously realized, even in products marketed as more “natural” or environmentally friendly.

David Jones, a researcher from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, who was not involved in the study, expressed surprise that the researchers found plastics not typically known to be in gum. He suggested that some of the plastics could have originated from lab equipment or other sources, but he acknowledged that the overall findings were "not at all surprising," given that many of the building blocks of gum are derived from plastics commonly used in everyday products.

What Does This Mean for Your Health?

Although the study found a significant release of microplastics from chewing gum, experts caution that the health risks associated with swallowing these particles are not yet clear. Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at Australia’s RMIT University, noted that the small amount of microplastics likely swallowed from chewing gum would likely pass through the digestive system without causing any harm.

"I don't think you have to stop chewing gum just yet," Jones stated, reassuring consumers that the amount of microplastics in gum is small compared to other sources of exposure. However, he did emphasize the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of microplastic ingestion.

The Environmental Impact: Gum and Pollution

While the potential health risks of microplastics in chewing gum may be unclear, one thing is certain: the environmental impact of discarded gum is undeniable. Chewing gum is a major contributor to litter, especially in urban areas where people commonly spit their gum onto sidewalks. Once discarded, gum can take years to break down, and the microplastics contained in the gum can leach into the environment, contributing to the growing pollution problem.

Lisa Lowe, the UCLA PhD student who worked on the study, highlighted this aspect of gum consumption, noting that the pollution caused by gum—especially when discarded improperly—could have long-lasting effects on the environment. This adds another layer to the conversation about the environmental footprint of everyday products we often take for granted.

The Takeaway: Should You Stop Chewing Gum?

While this study raises important concerns about the microplastic content in chewing gum, it’s essential to put these findings into context. The risk of harm from the microplastics released by chewing gum is still not well understood, and the amount of plastic ingested by gum chewers is relatively small compared to other sources, such as bottled water and packaged food.

That said, the environmental impact of gum waste is significant, and consumers should be mindful of where they dispose of gum. If you're concerned about microplastics and their potential health effects, it might be a good idea to moderate your gum consumption, opt for biodegradable alternatives, or choose gum made from natural ingredients that may have a lower plastic content.

As research into microplastics continues, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on emerging findings and stay informed about the potential risks associated with the products we use daily.

Conclusion: The Plastic Problem in Everyday Life

This study on chewing gum serves as a reminder that microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. From the food we eat to the products we use, plastic contamination is an ever-growing issue. While the health risks of chewing gum-related microplastics are still unclear, it is essential to recognize the broader implications of plastic pollution and its potential long-term effects.