Microplastics Found In Chewing Gums—How To Avoid Consuming Them

Chewing gum can release thousands of microplastics into the saliva that may be ingested, new study has found. This research, presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego, US and published in a peer review journal, found that, on average, 100 microplastics were released per gram of chewing gum—both synthetic and natural. The research came in at a time when health experts across the world have raised alarms over the hazardous impact of microplastics on the human body.

"Our goal is not to alarm anybody," Sanjay Mohanty, PhD, the principal investigator and an engineering professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), said in a press statement. "Scientists don’t know if microplastics are unsafe to us or not. There are no human trials. But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life, and that's what we wanted to examine here."

Microplastics are parts of plastics that are smaller than 5 millimeters in length. Studies conducted in the past have revealed that an individual consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 particles of microplastic annually. They are everywhere, and humans may be exposed to them through drinks, foods, plastic packaging, chopping boards, sponges, coatings on products, and the manufacturing process of items. Interestingly, their presence in chewing gums wasn't widely researched but not anymore.

5 Steps You Can Take To Reduce Microplastic Accumulation In Your Body

A recent study has shown that switching from bottled water to filtered tap water could cut microplastic intake by about 90%—from 90,000 to 4,000 particles each year. Teeny bits of plastic break off from the inner side of plastic bottles and become a part of the water, particularly when the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat. Over time, these particles accumulate in the body and may pose long-term health risks, although the exact effects are still being studied.

It is recommended to use a stainless steel, glass, or copper reusable water bottle with filtered water to reduce microplastic consumption. Not only is this better for your health, but also a more sustainable alternative for the environment.

Choose Right Tea Bags

A 2019 Canadian study revealed that steeping a single plastic tea bag at brewing temperature (203 degrees Fahrenheit) releases about 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into each cup.

“We think that it is a lot when compared to other foods that contain microplastics,” researcher Nathalie Tufenkji at McGill University in Quebec told *New Scientist*. “Table salt, which has a relatively high microplastic content, has been reported to contain approximately 0.005 micrograms of plastic per gram of salt. A cup of tea contains thousands of times greater mass of plastic, at 16 micrograms per cup.”

To avoid too steep (pun intended) health consequences, experts recommend using paper or loose-leaf tea bags instead. Choosing tea brands that specifically mention plastic-free packaging can also help reduce your intake.

Boil And Filter Tap Water

In many cultures, boiling water before drinking it is an ancient custom and/or necessary for survival. Research suggests that when it comes to microplastics, the intervention could be just as critical.

A 2024 study found that boiling water can quickly and effectively rid home drinking supplies of microplastics. Researchers found that boiling and filtering tap water could reduce the microplastics (and nanoplastics) in water by nearly 90%. How does it work? As the water temperature rises, the limescale — that chalky residue left in water kettles — interferes with the plastics, absorbing them and removing them from the water.

Avoid Other Everyday Plastic Sources

Your kitchen may be another source of exposure. Plastic cutting boards, for example, can shed tiny bits of plastic during food prep, which may end up in your meals. Similarly, heating food in plastic containers — especially in the microwave — can cause plastics to break down and leach harmful particles into your food.

Simple changes such as switching to wooden or glass cutting boards, and using ceramic or glass containers for heating food, can go a long way in reducing your daily microplastic intake.

While avoiding microplastics altogether may not be possible, these small steps can help you significantly reduce your exposure and protect your long-term health.