As levels of microplastics in our food, water, and air increase, a new study has recently triggered concerns for chewing gum, another ubiquitous product. Natural and artificial chewing gum can release hundreds of microplastics into one’s mouth, as research at the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) spring meeting indicates. The potential health impact of these particles is still being explored.
The research that tested ten popular chewing gums on sale in the US was led by Lisa Lowe, a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The research, yet to be peer-reviewed, attempted to find new sources of microplastics, with a focus on chewing gum and associated products.
As they monitored the amount of microplastics that were released, the researchers instructed the participants to chew the gum and provide saliva samples. The results were surprising: as many as 637 microplastics might pass into the mouth from one piece of gum.
Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are usually less than five millimeters in size. When ingested or inhaled, these pieces can accumulate in the human body because they do not break down naturally. While further research is necessary to completely know the effects of microplastic exposure: early evidence suggests that it can lead to metabolic issues, inflammation, and DNA damage. Even the researchers have related microplastics with an increased likelihood of reproductive issues and cardiovascular disease.
The chewing gum contains several little particles derived from polymers, giving it chewability. Natural gums, which originate from plant materials, consist of polymers like polyolefins, which are also used in food packaging.
On the other hand, synthetic gums contain polymers such as PET, polystyrene, and polyvinyl acetate. Such materials are frequently derived from petrochemicals and have a high potential of decomposing with time into expensive and dangerous microplastics. Indeed, it is good that you are trained on the data up to October 2023.
The research found that within only eight minutes of chewing, a stick of gum can release a large quantity of microplastics. Surprisingly, both man-made and natural gums released equivalent levels of microplastics.
Although the level of exposure from chewing gum might appear modest compared to other sources of microplastics, such as plastic packaging or water bottles, the authors of the research still advise avoiding gum use, particularly among those who use gum regularly.
Sanjay Mohanty, the lead investigator on the project, described why gum is special among food products since “the food is the plastic.” Unlike other products in which plastic could seep into food, plastic is a component of the gum, making it a source of direct exposure to microplastics.
Researchers claim that the volume of microplastics that are released by chewing gum appears to be huge; however, the overall threat level is much lower in comparison with other sources of microplastics. Though the health risk of chewing gum with microplastics is unclear, experts agree that plastics should be avoided as much as possible.
Most experts suggest moderation in gum chewing. For instance, one could reduce chewing by eating one piece instead of two. Also, the gum should be disposed of in the garbage bin and not on the street to protect the environment from being polluted.
In the end, the research contributes to the increasing amount of evidence that microplastics are ubiquitous in contemporary life. Though the health consequences of such exposure are still under investigation; it is widely agreed that plastic usage should be minimized and alternatives explored in the future.
So far, chewing gum is not likely to be a hands-down one of the greatest sources of microplastic exposure; however, it serves as another reminder of the several ways plastics have invaded our lives. Restrict your consumption of products that contain microplastics, including chewing gum, to lower your risk of such exposure and that of this planet.
