Your chewing gum habit might be delivering more than just fresh breath—it could be flooding your mouth with tiny plastic particles. A new study reveals that chewing gum releases hundreds of microplastics per piece, adding to the growing concern about plastic pollution in our bodies.
Key Findings:
- 100+ Microplastics Per Gram: Researchers found that a single stick of gum (about 1.5 grams) can shed 100 to 600 microplastic fragments in just eight minutes of chewing.
- 30,000 Microplastics a Year: If you chew 180 pieces annually, you could ingest roughly 30,000 plastic particles—though this is still far less than plastic bottled water (240,000 per liter).
- Both Synthetic & Natural Gum: Surprisingly, even plant-based gums contained microplastics, possibly from contamination during production.
Why It Matters:
Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and brains, but their health effects remain unclear. Most chewing gum contains petroleum-based plastics (similar to car tires and bottles), yet labels only list vague “gum-based” ingredients.
What Can You Do?
- Check Gum Labels: Opt for brands that disclose ingredients.
- Dispose Properly: Spitting gum on sidewalks contributes to plastic pollution.
- Stay Informed: More research is needed on long-term health risks.
The study, presented at the American Chemical Society, highlights yet another hidden source of microplastic exposure in daily life.
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