04/05/2025
😳 Do you love chewing gum? Study shows microplastic exposure with chewing gum into your body!
From Diabetes and Endocrinology
Chewing Gum Contributes to the Ingestion of Microplastics
April 1, 2025
A pilot study found that chewing gum can release up to 637 microplastic particles per gram, with 94% of these particles released within the first 8 minutes of chewing. Both natural and synthetic gums were found to release similar amounts of microplastics. The study involved a single participant chewing 10 types of chewing gum, with saliva samples analyzed for microplastic content. The most frequently detected plastic polymer was polyolefins. While the health implications of microplastic ingestion are not fully understood, the study suggests that chewing gum could result in the ingestion of microplastics, which could pose health risks. The research was supported by the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Hawaii Maximizing Access to Research Careers program, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the California Protection Council.
(Not to mention damage to the TMJ your jaw)