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The research, presented at the American Chemical Society spring meeting, found that 94% of these particles are released within the first eight minutes of chewing.
UCLA Study Finds Microplastics in Both Natural and Synthetic Gums
Engineers at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering discovered that “natural” gums—those marketed as healthier alternatives based on chicle or plant resins—release similar levels of microplastics as synthetic versions. Lisa Lowe, a researcher on the project, stated the team initially hypothesized that synthetic gums would contain more plastic. The results contradicted this, showing both categories contained polymers like polyolefins, polyethylenes terephthalates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenes.
Polyolefins, which include polyethylene and polypropylene, were the most abundant plastics found in both gum types. Lowe suggests these contaminants may be introduced during industrial manufacturing or packaging rather than originating from the raw plant materials.
Did you know? A standard piece of chewing gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams. Based on the UCLA findings, a single large piece could potentially release up to 3,000 plastic particles into the mouth.
Mechanical Abrasion Drives Plastic Release
The release of microplastics is not a chemical reaction caused by saliva enzymes, but a physical one. According to the team led by Professor Sanjay Mohanty, the abrasive action of teeth separates plastic fragments from the gum base. This mechanical friction is most intense at the start; 94% of the particles escape within the first eight minutes of mastication.
Because the release happens so quickly, the researchers suggest that chewing one piece of gum for a longer duration is a more effective way to limit plastic ingestion than frequently switching to a fresh piece.
Comparing Gum Ingestion to Other Plastic Sources
While 30,000 microplastics per year (based on an average consumption of 160 to 180 pieces) sounds high, it is a fraction of the total human plastic load. According to the UCLA researchers, previous data indicates individuals consume between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually through other common sources:
- Drinking water
- Tea bags
- Seafood
- Olive oil
Scientific Limits and Environmental Impact
The study has technical limitations that may mean the actual number of particles is higher. The equipment used could only detect microplastics at least 20 micrometers wide. Nanoplastics, which are smaller and invisible to these tools, were not counted.
Sanjay Mohanty cautioned against panic, stating in a press release that the goal isn’t to alarm the public, as scientists do not yet know if these microplastics are dangerous to humans and no human trials exist. Oliver Jones, a chemist at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, described the 600 particles per gram as a “modest” amount.
Mohanty also emphasized that the plastic released into the saliva is only a small fraction of the total plastic in the gum. The majority remains in the discarded piece, which continues to degrade in the environment if littered on sidewalks or stuck under furniture.
Pro Tip: To reduce your immediate exposure to microplastics while chewing, avoid the “fresh piece” habit. Sticking with one piece of gum longer reduces the number of initial “bursts” of plastic fragments released during the first few minutes of chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural gums safer than synthetic ones?
According to the UCLA study, no. Both natural and synthetic gums released similar levels of microplastics, likely due to industrial processing.
When are the most microplastics released during chewing?
The vast majority (94%) are released within the first eight minutes of chewing due to the physical friction of the teeth.
Is chewing gum the main source of microplastics in the body?
No. While it contributes, other sources like seafood, olive oil, and drinking water typically account for a higher annual volume of ingested plastics.
What are your thoughts on the shift toward plastic-free alternatives? Have you switched to a specific brand of biodegradable gum? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more evidence-based health reporting.