Chewing Gum Can Shed Microplastics into Saliva, Pilot Study Finds

Chewing Gum Can Shed Microplastics into Saliva, Pilot Study Finds A recent pilot study has revealed a surprising source of microplastic exposure: chewing gum. During the chewing process, researchers discovered that popular chewing gum brands may release microscopic plastic particles into human saliva. This unexpected finding adds to the growing body of evidence that microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size—are now pervasive in our environment and may be entering the human body through more pathways than previously believed. Microplastics: A nascent issue Environmental scientists have long been concerned about microplastics. These small plastic fragments are created when larger pieces of plastic break down due to exposure to sunlight, wind, and water. They are found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even in the air we breathe. Due to the fact that microplastics have been found in salt, seafood, drinking water, and even the bloodstream of human beings, the issue of how microplastics affect human health has recently received a lot of attention. The pilot study, which was carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Vienna and the Slovak Academy of Sciences, suggests that chewing gum might be an additional method of ingesting microplastics. Researchers tested four popular brands of gum and found that microplastic particles were released during simulated chewing, likely due to the breakdown of synthetic polymers used in the gum base. The Secret Ingredients of Chewing Gum While most consumers are aware of the flavours and sugar (or sugar substitutes) in gum, few consider what the gum base is made from. Traditionally, chewing gum was made using natural latexes like chicle. However, most modern gums use synthetic rubber and plastics—such as polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, and butadiene-styrene rubber—as the base. These materials are elastic and durable because they are plastic-like and cannot be broken down by bacteria. Using laboratory instruments and artificial saliva, the researchers imitated the mechanical forces of chewing in the study. They discovered that moisture and repeated pressure could cause microscopic particles to fall from the gum base and mix with saliva. These microplastics could potentially be swallowed, entering the digestive system. Study Details and Key Findings To test for microplastic release, scientists used high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy to analyse the composition of saliva samples after chewing the gum alternatives. The results were significant: all four tested brands shed detectable levels of microplastics after a simulated five-minute chewing session. The size of the microplastic particles varied from 1 to 20 micrometres, small enough to pass through mucous membranes and potentially enter the bloodstream. Additionally, the particles frequently contained chemical additives like stabilisers, pigments, and plasticisers—substances that could further pose health hazards. Though the study was limited in scale, involving only a few samples and brands, the implications are noteworthy. The researchers emphasised the need for more in-depth research to determine the long-term effects of chewing gum containing microplastics. Public Health Implications The discovery has sparked new concerns about everyday exposure to plastics. While the effects of consuming small amounts of microplastics are not yet fully understood, some studies suggest they may be linked to inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and even potential carcinogenic effects. Dr Martin Wagner, a biologist not involved in the study, noted, “We’ve long suspected that microplastics were more widespread in the food chain than we thought. Chewing gum, a product that many people use every day, is added to the list of potential sources by this study. This finding also underscores the need for stricter regulations and greater transparency in food and consumer product labelling. Currently, manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients in gum base, often listed vaguely as “gum base” on product labels. Toward Safer Alternatives In light of this study, there may be renewed interest in natural chewing gums made with organic bases like chicle, mastic, or tree resins. These biodegradable alternatives do not contain synthetic plastics and are generally considered safer for both human health and the environment. Some eco-conscious brands already offer plastic-free gum, and this new evidence may encourage consumers to seek out such alternatives. At the same time, researchers and environmental advocates are calling for further investigation into the health effects of microplastic ingestion and urging manufacturers to explore safer materials.Conclusion While more research is necessary to determine the full impact of chewing gum-related microplastic exposure, this pilot study raises important questions about how modern products contribute to our daily intake of microplastics. As science continues to uncover the hidden routes through which plastics enter our bodies, individuals, regulators, and companies must work together to find safer solutions and reduce plastic pollution at its source.