A recent pilot study has revealed that chewing a single piece of gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva, introducing a new potential source of these contaminants into daily life. This research, led by Sanjay Mohanty from the University of California, Los Angeles, will be presented at the American Chemical Society’s biannual meeting in San Diego and is under peer review, with hopes for publication in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters later this year.
The study’s motivation was to identify sources of microplastic ingestion, as these particles have been found in various human tissues and fluids. Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5mm, can enter the body through ingestion or inhalation. Chewing gum stands out because it contains polymers, making it unique among food products. The researchers examined ten commercially available gums, half synthetic and half natural, focusing on the microplastics released during chewing.
Findings showed that roughly 100 microplastics were released from every gram of gum, with some varieties releasing as many as 637 microplastics. Notably, 94% of these particles were expelled within the first eight minutes of chewing. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in microplastic release between synthetic and natural gums; both primarily released common synthetic polymers, which are also found in many consumer products.
Despite the alarming potential for microplastic exposure, researchers caution that the health impacts remain unknown, as there is a lack of human trial data. The average size of microplastics identified in the study was approximately 82.6 micrometres, and it is possible that even smaller particles went undetected due to the limitations of current chemical analysis techniques. Concerns have also been raised about the sourcing of these microplastics, with speculative explanations including contamination from packaging or production processes.
Experts recommend taking a precautionary stance on the potential health risks of microplastics. While the National Confectioners Association maintains that chewing gum is safe, the environmental consequences of gum disposal add another layer to the discussion.
This research underscores the urgent need for further investigation into microplastic sources and their implications for both human health and environmental safety. As consumers of gum, understanding the hidden risks associated with such everyday products could lead to more informed choices and greater awareness of plastic pollution in general.