Recent research has uncovered that chewing gum may be a significant source of microplastic exposure, potentially releasing hundreds to thousands of tiny particles into our mouths with each piece chewed. This alarming finding is detailed in an upcoming study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, which ranks everyday chewing gum alongside other prevalent sources of microplastics in our environment.

Microplastics, defined as small plastic fragments typically smaller than a sesame seed, originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items and permeate our surroundings, from the oceans to the air we breathe. Conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, the research indicates that both synthetic and natural gum bases can release substantial microplastics, particularly within the first eight minutes of chewing.

The health implications of ingesting microplastics through gum are still unclear, raising significant concerns. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigations to assess the potential health risks. This study also calls for stricter scrutiny and regulation of materials used in consumer products like chewing gum, highlighting the wider issue of microplastic pollution impacting our daily lives.