Chewing gum releases hundreds of microplastics into saliva. This is revealed by a pilot study that will be presented at the American Chemical Society and published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. The researchers analyzed ten types of chewing gums and discovered that even those labeled as “natural” contain synthetic polymers.
According to the researchers, plastic consumption has become an integral part of daily life, and although the researchers’ intention is not to create alarm, it is essential to investigate the effects on human health. Dr. Sanjay Mohanty, senior author of the study and associate professor at the University of California UCLA, Los Angeles, emphasized that it is still too early to understand the effects of microplastics on humans. However, he noted that exposure to plastic is constant and widespread, and this is exactly what their study aimed to examine.
The analysis showed that just one gram of chewing gum can release an average of 100 microplastics, with some types emitting up to 637. Additionally, 94% of these particles are released within the first eight minutes of chewing. The results were confirmed through a series of tests conducted on both synthetic and natural gums, showing that the difference between the two types is minimal: natural gums released an average of 96 microplastics per gram, while synthetic ones released 104. Both contained synthetic polymers, such as polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylamides, and polystyrene, materials commonly used in plastic production.
Dr. David Jones, a professor at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, also confirmed that subjecting any type of plastic to stress, such as heat, friction, or chewing, causes the release of microplastics. Experts agree that there are still no clear regulations regarding the presence of these elements in food products, and some regulatory agencies tend to downplay the risk.
Jones argues that the lack of effective laws is a problem and that the precautionary principle should be applied, confirming that these particles could negatively impact health.
In addition to health concerns, chewing gums are one of the main causes of urban pollution. Every year, millions of gums are discarded on the ground; these residues take decades to degrade and often end up in waterways, with devastating effects on ecosystems.
Moreover, the microplastics derived from the product can also be ingested by wildlife, accumulating along the food chain and eventually making their way to our tables. Some analyses have found that plastic particles are now present in marine organisms, birds, and even in water reserves.
The lack of transparency from manufacturers makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. Labels do not provide detailed information about the composition and leave room for doubts regarding the presence and origin of microplastics. Some companies are exploring ways to develop biodegradable alternatives, but the market for sustainable gums is still niche.
