A recent study presented at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2025 meeting has revealed that chewing gum—both synthetic and natural—can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into your saliva.
Researchers were surprised to find that natural gums, often perceived as safer, released similar amounts of microplastics as synthetic ones. The health implications of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but concerns include potential links to inflammation, digestive issues, and even certain cancers. In this video, we delve into:
• The findings of the recent study on microplastics in chewing gum.
• The potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion.
• Tips on how to reduce your exposure to microplastics.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/chewing-gum-microplastics-saliva-study
Researchers were surprised to find that natural gums, often perceived as safer, released similar amounts of microplastics as synthetic ones. The health implications of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but concerns include potential links to inflammation, digestive issues, and even certain cancers. In this video, we delve into:
• The findings of the recent study on microplastics in chewing gum.
• The potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion.
• Tips on how to reduce your exposure to microplastics.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/chewing-gum-microplastics-saliva-study
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LifestyleTranscript
00:00Welcome back sunbro, we hope you all in great health and great money.
00:04Before we start, please at least subscribe so we can have little money for food and paying bills.
00:09Alright, today we are going to talk about, is your gum toxic?
00:13New study reveals microplastics in every chew.
00:16Chewing gum can release hundreds, even thousands, of microplastics into your saliva, which you might swallow.
00:22A recent study found about 100 microplastics per gram of gum, with some reaching 600 per gram.
00:27Since gum usually weighs 2-6 grams, that adds up fast.
00:31We don't yet know how harmful microplastics are, there haven't been human trials,
00:35but we're already exposed to them daily through food, drinks, and packaging.
00:39Gum just hadn't been studied much until now.
00:42Surprisingly, natural and synthetic gums released similar amounts of microplastics.
00:46Synthetic gums are made with petroleum-based plastics, while natural ones use plant-based polymers, but both showed high levels.
00:53Researchers are still figuring out how plastic ends up in natural gum.
00:56In the study, one person chewed 7 pieces of each of 10 gum brands, 5 natural, 5 synthetic.
01:02Saliva was collected and tested, and common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene were found.
01:07Health-wise, microplastics have been linked to issues with digestion, breathing, reproduction, and possibly even colon and lung cancer.
01:14So, yes, it's concerning.
01:16Should you stop chewing gum?
01:18That's up to you, but if you want to cut down on microplastic exposure, especially for kids,
01:23it might be worth skipping gum or chewing it less often.
01:25The more you chew, the more plastic you likely ingest.
01:28Thanks for watching, Sunbro.
01:30Please subscribe, like, comment, and share if you find this helpful.
01:35Come again to our next meeting, Sunbro.