A Tiny Detail Could Introduce Thousands of Plastic Particles into Your Body

At a time when microplastic particles are being detected throughout the human body — from the lungs to the kidneys, and even in the blood and brain — a recent study has uncovered a new and unexpected source of these particles: chewing gum.

American researchers presented their findings at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, noting that a single piece of chewing gum can release hundreds of microplastic particles directly into the mouth. This discovery raises serious questions about the safety of what seems to be a harmless daily habit.

Lisa Luu, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Los Angeles, chewed samples from ten different gum brands, and her saliva was later chemically analyzed. The results showed that one gram of gum releases, on average, about 100 microplastic particles.

In some types, this number can exceed 600 particles. Considering that a single piece of gum weighs approximately 1.5 grams, a person who chews around 180 pieces per year could unknowingly ingest around 30,000 microplastic particles.

The researcher emphasized that the link between these particles and changes in human health has not yet been conclusively proven. However, she highlighted the importance of awareness regarding unexpected daily sources of these pollutants. She stressed that the goal of the study is not to cause panic, but to encourage further research and scrutiny into the effects of these materials on public health.