Am I swallowing microplastics when I chew gum?
In the realm of seemingly innocuous habits, few could rival the act of chewing gum.
For me, chewing gum is a momentary indulgence.
It relieves stress.
But am I missing something?
Here’s my concern after reading a new study:
Chewing gum, whether natural or synthetic, can be a significant source of microplastic ingestion.
Honestly, I suspect that I need not be particularly concerned as the amount of microplastics is low.
It is an unfortunate reminder of how we have poisoned our environment.
A Pilot Study
Could a single piece of gum put me in harm’s way?
A new study offers limited evidence that the answer may be yes.
Researchers discovered that a single piece of gum can release 637 microplastic articles per gram.
Synthetic gums release a similar amount of microplastics as natural, plant-based ones.
I’ll be okay, right?
After all, I only chew gum for a few minutes; when the taste goes, so does the chewing gum.
But there is this:
The majority of microplastics are released within eight minutes of chewing.
One more problem: I am heading to Singapore this year.
Have you heard about Singapore’s infamous ban on chewing gum?
Singapore: A Sticky Situation (Solved)
On January 3, 1992, Singapore banned gum manufacture, sale, or importation.
Upon arrival, all must declare any gum or face the consequences.
But why such a drastic measure?
Singapore’s gleaming, efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system became an unexpected battleground.
In the sweltering months of summer 1991, the gum lodged itself between train doors and caused malfunctions.
These incidents weren’t minor inconveniences; they stopped trains, forced passengers to disembark, and disrupted the city’s vital transportation network.
Beyond the MRT, the careless disposal of chewing gum created a persistent and costly cleaning nightmare in public spaces, from cinema seats to housing.
Am I Swallowing Microplastics When I Chew Gum? Does It Matter?
And so we come to this vital question: Does it matter that my chewing gum has bits of microplastic in it?
- Current Scientific Understanding: As of now (April 1, 2025), the direct health impacts of ingesting microplastics at the levels found in chewing gum (or even from other common sources like water bottles, food, and air) are not well-established or fully understood. Research is ongoing, but there isn’t conclusive evidence yet to say that the amount ingested from occasional gum chewing causes specific harm or is clinically relevant.
- Ubiquitous Exposure: Microplastics are unfortunately everywhere in our environment. Chewing gum is just one potential source among many we encounter daily.
- The Environmental Reminder: Your point is well-taken — it is a stark reminder of widespread plastic pollution and its infiltration into seemingly everyday items.
- Conclusion on Risk: While the study shows gum is a source of microplastic ingestion, current scientific consensus doesn’t label this specific exposure route as a significant, defined health risk compared to other environmental exposures. It’s a low-level exposure in the broader context, though the long-term effects of cumulative microplastic exposure are still an active area of research. So, while not zero, the immediate risk from the gum itself appears minimal based on current knowledge.
I’m not giving up my occasional gum (except in Singapore).
Your thoughts?
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