Next time you pop a piece of gum into your mouth, you might also be chewing on tiny bits of plastic. Researchers have found that chewing gum releases hundreds of microplastic particles directly into your saliva—raising new concerns about how these invisible pollutants are making their way into our bodies.
How Much Plastic Are You Chewing?
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), revealed that a single gram of gum releases an average of 100 microplastic fragments—some as many as 600—within the first eight minutes of chewing. Since the average stick of gum weighs around 1.5 grams, a regular gum chewer could be unknowingly ingesting around 30,000 microplastics per year.
Lead researcher Sanjay Mohanty, however, reassures that there is no direct evidence proving microplastics harm human health—yet. But given that these tiny plastic particles have already been found in our lungs, blood, and even brains, scientists are increasingly concerned about their long-term effects.
What’s Hiding in Your Gum?
Most chewing gum brands use synthetic gum bases, which contain petroleum-based polymers—the same materials found in car tires, plastic bags, and bottles. Yet, ingredients lists often only mention “gum-based”, without specifying the actual plastic content.
In the study, UCLA researchers compared five brands of synthetic gum with five brands of natural gum made from tree sap. Shockingly, both types shed microplastics—meaning that even so-called “natural” gums may not be as safe as they seem.
The Bigger Plastic Problem
Beyond what we swallow, chewing gum also contributes to plastic pollution. Discarded gum spat onto sidewalks doesn’t just stick to shoes—it also releases plastic particles into the environment.
David Jones, a UK researcher, argues that gum manufacturers should be required to disclose their full list of ingredients, allowing consumers to make informed choices. However, major brands, including Wrigley, have yet to comment on these findings.
The study, which has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, was recently presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in San Diego. While more research is needed, one thing is clear—chewing gum may not be as harmless as we thought.
