The Gum Truth: Unveiling the Microplastic Menace - AI Podcast

Microplastic Release from Chewing Gum

Chewing gum contributes significantly to microplastic exposure, with research indicating that a single piece can release up to 3,000 microplastic particles, primarily during the first few minutes of chewing. The chewing process, rather than saliva or enzymes, physically breaks down the gum, scraping plastic particles free. Daily gum consumption could potentially lead to an individual ingesting around 30,000 plastic particles annually, adding to the already high levels of microplastics ingested from various sources such as food packaging and bottled water. The findings emphasize that both synthetic and even those marketed as natural gums can release similar amounts of microplastics, raising concerns about consumer awareness regarding the ingredients in chewing gum.