New research presented at this week’s spring meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego has found something even more surprising. One recent study showed chewing gum could liberate hundreds, even thousands, of microplastics into saliva. Health experts are deeply worried about the prospective health effects of exposure to microplastics. This shocking discovery underscores the dangers posed by ingested microplastics from this ubiquitous product.
The research study found that each gram of chewing gum emits, on average, nearly 155 microplastics. This large sum questions the safety of chewing gum at levels far less than what the entire population consumes daily. Where these microplastics in natural gums come from is unknown. Allergenic and toxic gum. We must research if synthetic or organic gum is more harmful.
Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
Health experts have raised alarms about the harmful impacts of microplastics, particularly on developing brains in children. Tiny particles are one additional way that plastic can collectively increase your exposure. This risk adds to the myriad harms of foods and drinks in plastic containers.
“We already know we’re exposed to lots of different microplastics… because they’ve been measured in every part of the body… But the problem is, is that the gum that you’re chewing is adding on to all the other microplastic exposure you’re already getting,” – Anonymous
The effects on our children’s health are especially alarming. Dr. Jennifer Hunnes, a senior dietitian at UCLA and an expert on the matter, suggests chewing-gum caution. She advises that we cease or at minimum limit children’s exposure to it because their developing brains are more vulnerable to toxins that can inflict harm.
The Nature of Chewing Gum and Microplastics
For each piece of chewing gum, Dr. Mohanty and his research team sought to establish a reliable microplastics measurement. They honed in on this food product specifically because it’s made of plastics. This emphasis has made an important difference. Though contamination from plastic food containers is well-known, few have it chewed into how chewing gum could be another major source of tire treads microplastics.
“Most of the ingestion studies related to food are about the contamination of food with microplastic from plastic containers… We wanted to measure microplastics in chewing gum,” – Dr. Mohanty
Perhaps most interestingly, was the fact that there was no difference between the amount of microplastics in synthetic and organic gums. This surprising result inspired scientists to investigate the source of these particles in raw gums found in nature.
“We were not surprised to find microplastics in chewing gum but we are surprised to find them equal amount in both synthetic and organic gum,” – Dr. Mohanty
Consumer Awareness and Future Research
Consumers are increasingly demanding healthier products across the board. Because microplastics may be found in all chewing gums, this increasing attention can lead to the reexamination of both synthetic and natural chewing gums. Most people don’t realize that while enjoying this everyday delicacy, they could be swallowing microplastics.
“I honestly never would have thought to even think about chewing gum as a source of microplastics!” – Anonymous
Experts call for further research to better understand the impact of chewing gum on human health. They are interested in learning how to minimize the risks associated with microplastic exposure. Until we know more, most argue for reducing or stopping the use of chewing gum entirely.
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