Chewing Gum Can Shed Microplastics Into Saliva, Study Finds

A recent study published by the American Chemical Society has made a startling discovery: chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva. The research, which was presented at the ACS Spring 2023 conference, analyzed various types of chewing gum and detected the presence of microplastics in all of them.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Christine D. Wu, a professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, explained that the research team was motivated by the growing concern over microplastic pollution. “We wanted to investigate the potential sources of microplastics in everyday products, and chewing gum was one of the items on our list,” she said.

The researchers analyzed 15 different types of chewing gum, including sugar-free, sugar-containing, and medicated gum. They used a technique called pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to break down the gum into its component parts and identify the presence of microplastics.

The results were striking: all 15 types of chewing gum contained microplastics. The researchers identified various types of microplastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl acetate. These microplastics were found in the gum base, which is the main component of chewing gum.

The study’s findings have significant implications for human health and the environment. When we chew gum, the microplastics can be released into our saliva and ingested. While the long-term effects of microplastic consumption on human health are still unknown, there is growing concern that microplastics can cause physical harm and toxic effects.

In addition to the potential health risks, microplastics can also enter the environment through wastewater and harm aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics have been found in oceans and waterways around the world, and have been shown to harm marine life.

The study’s authors are calling for regulatory agencies to establish guidelines for the use of microplastics in consumer products, including chewing gum. “We need to take a closer look at the ingredients in our everyday products and make sure they are safe for human consumption and the environment,” said Dr. Wu.

In the meantime, consumers can take steps to minimize their exposure to microplastics in chewing gum. “We recommend choosing gum that is labeled as ‘microplastic-free’ or ‘biodegradable’,” said Dr. Wu. “We also encourage consumers to support companies that are working to reduce their use of microplastics in their products.”

The study’s findings are a wake-up call for consumers and manufacturers alike. As we become increasingly aware of the risks associated with microplastics, we must take action to reduce our exposure and protect the environment.