Chewing gum releases microplastics into mouth – Researchers

Researchers have found that chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic fragments into people's mouths, adding to growing concerns about microplastic pollution. 

The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego, examined how chewing gum contributes to human ingestion of microplastics.

Chewing gum as a source of microplastics

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), analyzed saliva samples after chewing various gum brands. Lisa Lowe, a PhD student at UCLA, chewed seven pieces from ten different gum brands, and researchers performed a chemical analysis on her saliva. They found that a gram of gum released an average of 100 microplastic fragments, with some shedding more than 600. Given that an average stick of gum weighs around 1.5 grams, regular gum chewers could be ingesting up to 30,000 microplastic pieces per year.

Wider concerns about microplastics in the human body

Microplastics have been detected in various parts of the human body, including the lungs, blood, and brain. However, Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher, stated, "I don't want to alarm people." While no direct evidence confirms that microplastics harm human health, their widespread presence has raised concerns.

Ingredients in synthetic and natural gum

Most supermarket chewing gum is classified as synthetic gum, which contains petroleum-based polymers to achieve its chewy texture. However, packaging does not list plastic as an ingredient, often using the term "gum-based." "Nobody will tell you the ingredients," Mohanty said. The researchers tested five brands of synthetic gum and five of natural gum, which contains plant-based polymers like tree sap. Microplastics were found in both types, with the majority being released in the first eight minutes of chewing.

Calls for transparency and environmental concerns

David Jones, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth, stated that gum manufacturers should provide more detailed ingredient information. He noted that the presence of unexpected plastics suggests additional sources of contamination. "People tend to freak out a little bit when told that the building blocks of chewing gum were similar to what is found in car tyres, plastic bags, and bottles," Jones said.

Lowe also pointed to the environmental impact of gum disposal, particularly when chewed gum is discarded on sidewalks. The study has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal but has not yet been published. The world's largest chewing gum manufacturer, Wrigley, did not respond to requests for comment.