Chewing gum can release hundreds,⁤ even thousands, of microplastic particles that ⁣mix with saliva, according to a recent study. The findings were presented‍ at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 meeting in San Diego,according to a ⁢report by CNN.

Researchers conducted a preliminary examination to determine the quantity ‍of microplastics potentially ingested ‌while chewing both natural and synthetic gum. One of the researchers⁢ stated that the study aims to expand understanding of microplastic exposure, noting that while the safety of microplastics is currently unknown, people are exposed to them daily.

Microplastics are defined⁢ as plastic​ particles ranging in size ⁤from 1 micrometer (µm) to 5 millimeters (mm). Particles smaller than this are considered nanoplastics and are ⁢measured in nanometers.

Polymers, which are long chains of repeating molecular units called monomers, are known for their durability and adaptability. Most plastics are synthetic polymers, although natural polymers like cellulose can be extracted from plants. Researchers noted that gum typically contains synthetic or natural polymers to maintain texture,elasticity,and flavor.

Prior research has demonstrated that microplastics can enter the body through ingestion and inhalation, with their presence detected in various organs and fluids, including blood, lungs, placentas, brains, and testicles. The current study aimed to identify additional sources and concentrations of microplastics.

According to the researchers, gum was selected for analysis because it is a widely used product. They stated that this is⁣ the first investigation to examine​ and compare microplastics in commercially‍ available chewing gums.

The research team analyzed 10 popular chewing gum brands in the United States, with half being synthetic and ⁤half being natural.

the study ‌found a lack ⁣of transparency regarding‌ the ingredients in chewing gum. Most gum products do not disclose the raw materials on ‌packaging or manufacturer‌ websites. ‌The researchers stated that​ this lack of transparency makes it impossible to‌ determine the source of microplastics in​ the tested⁣ gums, leaving consumers unaware of the complete ingredient list.

In the experiment,participants chewed gum for 4 minutes,with saliva samples collected every 30 seconds.Participants then rinsed their mouths with purified water, and the rinse and saliva samples were combined to collect all microplastics. This process was repeated seven times for ⁢each gum.

In another test, some gums were chewed for 20 minutes, with saliva collected every 2 minutes to assess the ​relationship between chewing time and‍ microplastic release. Researchers used filtration and microscopy to identify the types and quantities⁢ of microplastics. They estimated the amount of microplastics released by subtracting the microplastics ⁤found ‍in the initial rinse sample ​from the total in the chewing gum sample.

The analysis⁣ revealed ⁢that 1 ⁣gram of chewing gum released approximately 100 ​to ‍637 microplastic particles. The weight of a typical piece​ of chewing gum ranges from 1 to 6 grams. Furthermore,94% of microplastics were released within 8 minutes of chewing,with a significant‌ portion released within the ‍first 2 minutes. The average size of ⁣the released microplastics was 82.6 micrometers.

Surprisingly, the study found no significant ​difference between natural and synthetic gums. The average number of microplastics released per gram was 104 for synthetic gum and 96 for ​natural gum.

Both synthetic and natural gums primarily released four types⁤ of synthetic polymers: polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylamide,⁤ and polystyrene. According to a senior scientist at‍ the Environmental Working⁤ Group, these plastics are commonly used in everyday consumer products.

One ⁤environmental science professor, who ⁣was not involved in the study, commented​ that the release of microplastics⁢ is not unexpected. Any kind of plastic, subjected to friction, sunlight, seawater, or even the act of chewing,​ will release microplastics.

The study is ongoing and is expected to be⁢ published in the⁢ Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters.