A recent pilot study revealed that the everyday act of **chewing gum** could be significantly contributing to the intake of microplastics. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in collaboration with the American Chemical Society (ACS), found that a single piece of **chewing gum can release hundreds** or even **thousands of tiny plastic particles** into saliva, which can then be ingested by the consumer.
The finding, to be presented at the ACS Spring Meeting in March 2025, opens a new line of research on **human exposure to microplastics**, particles ranging from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters that are present in many daily consumer products like **packaging, food, and beverages**.
While it was known that microplastics are widely distributed in the environment and in the human diet, **chewing gum had not been previously considered a significant source of these particles**. Chewing gum is composed of a gummy base, sweeteners, and flavorings. While natural gums contain plant polymers, synthetic ones are made with petroleum-derived polymers, making them plastic products themselves.
Lisa Lowe, a graduate student and part of the research team, explained that initially, it was thought that synthetic gums would release more microplastics due to their plastic composition. However, the results showed that **both natural and synthetic chewing gum release similar amounts** of these tiny particles.
**How the study was conducted**
To measure the release of microplastics, researchers analyzed five brands of **synthetic gum** and five **natural** ones available in the market. A person chewed seven pieces of each brand for four minutes, collecting **saliva samples every 30 seconds for analysis**. In an additional experiment, the chewing time was extended to 20 minutes to evaluate the rate of plastic particle release.
The samples were examined using microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, identifying the presence of polymers such as polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenes. The results indicated that, on average, **100 microplastics were released per gram of chewing gum**, although some samples reached up to 600 particles per gram. Since a piece of gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams, a single piece could release up to 3,000 plastic particles.
The study estimated that a person chewing between 160 and 180 small gums **per year could ingest approximately 30,000 additional microplastics**. Although the exact impact on human health has not been determined yet, previous research on animals and human cells suggests potential harmful effects.
**A health and environmental issue**
Sanjay Mohanty, a professor of engineering at UCLA and the study’s lead, emphasized that the research’s goal is not to raise alarm but to highlight **a source of microplastics that had gone unnoticed until now**. He also warned about **the environmental impact of chewing gum**, as if not properly disposed of, it also contributes to **plastic pollution** in the **environment**.
This study paves the way for future research on human exposure to microplastics and the need to seek **safer and more sustainable alternatives** in chewing gum production.
**Why they discourage reusing plastic bottles for water consumption**
A recent scientific study revealed why **it is not advisable to reuse plastic bottles** for drinking water.
Research on **its health impact is almost constant**. In this regard, Chinese researchers investigated this issue and published the results in *Communications Biology*.
Among the conclusions, they highlighted the fact that **plastic bottles are the main source of microplastic ingestion** by humans.
Source: INVDES.
**[Do you already know our YouTube channel? Subscribe!](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrYLIWysAyv4m833zGAQ02g)**
