It’s uncommon for us to pause and consider what truly occurs when we bite into a piece of gum. Apart from the flavor or the stretchy feel, this everyday action might be causing minuscule plastic fragments to enter our mouths without us realizing it. According to an investigation conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), every gram of chewing gum can hold around 600 microplastics, which get released within just a few moments while we're chewing.
What findings did the scientists obtain?
In arriving at these findings, researchers examined ten different types of chewing gum, including both artificial and organic varieties. The outcome was unexpected: in every instance, microscopic plastic particles were found to be emitted upon interaction with saliva.
According to their findings, approximately 100 particles were detected per gram of chewed gum, with certain samples containing as many as 600 particles per gram. Considering that each piece typically ranges from 2 to 6 grams, this means that as many as 3,000 microplastic fragments could be released per piece within just a short period.
The research additionally noted that 94% of these particles are emitted within the initial eight minutes of chewing. Put differently, individuals who frequently switch their chewed gum are likely to encounter greater amounts of microplastics compared to those who keep using one piece for a longer duration.
From where do these microplastics originate?
Even though some might believe that chewing gums using natural resins do not have this issue, the research showed something different. Pollution can happen throughout the production, packing, or keeping of the item, no matter what kind of foundation is utilized.
Is there a danger to one's health?
Up until now, the precise impacts microplastics may cause to the human body remain unclear. Certain investigations link them to inflammation, oxidative damage, and potential changes at the cell level; however, further investigation is ongoing. A major worry for scientists is how these particles can gradually build up within our bodies over time, entering through various daily exposures such as bottled water, fish consumption, breathing polluted air, and even chewing gum nowadays.
Even though the quantity consumed through chewing gum is fairly small when contrasted with other methods, this accumulating impact—still not completely measured—continues to draw careful consideration from scientists. No reason for worry exists, however, solid grounds remain to maintain vigilance and focus.
How can we minimize our contact with harmful substances?
There's no need to remove chewing gum from our everyday routine, but adopting certain basic practices can reduce exposure to microplastics:
- Moderate consumption: do not chew gum all day long.
- Extend chewing time: extending the usage of one item decreases the emission of more particles.
- Prioritize quality brands: choosing producers who provide more oversight of their procedures and basic ingredients may lower risk.
What remains unseen (yet exists) in every stick of chewed gum
A UCLA research broadens the unseen chart of microplastics in our routine activities. As scientists keep exploring their potential lasting impacts, we have the power to adopt minor yet more mindful decisions each day. For occasionally, even something as basic as a piece of bubblegum makes us realize how deeply we are enveloped by elements—even those at a microscopic level—in what we consume.