Chewing Gum Linked to Cancer: Science-Backed Strategies to Reduce Health Risks

Chewing Gum Releases Thousands of Microplastics, Study Warns
[Image: Person chewing gum with microplastic particles illustrated]

Frequent gum-chewers may ingest tens of thousands of microplastics each year—equivalent to swallowing 15 credit cards annually—according to a new study. These tiny plastic particles, linked to potential health risks like DNA damage and cancer, seep into saliva as gum breaks down, eventually entering the digestive system.

Microplastics: A Hidden Ingredient
Microplastics (less than 5mm long) pervade our environment, including food, water, and even chewing gum. Both synthetic and natural gums contain polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene, releasing microplastics during chewing. Researchers found no significant difference in microplastic levels between natural and synthetic gum brands.

Health Concerns and Study Insights
While microplastics’ health impacts remain under investigation, studies suggest they may alter DNA, disrupt cells, and increase cancer risk. The UCLA-led study aimed to quantify exposure, not to alarm. “We don’t know if they’re unsafe yet, but we’re examining our daily exposures,” explained lead researcher Sanjay Mohanty.

Key Findings

• Chewing releases 100–600 microplastics per gram of gum, with 30,000+ particles ingested yearly by regular users.
• 94% of microplastics enter saliva within the first 8 minutes of chewing.
• Replacing gum frequently (every few minutes) worsens exposure.

[Image: Microscopic view of microplastics in gum]

How the Study Worked
Researchers tested 10 gum brands (5 synthetic, 5 natural). Participants chewed gum for 20 minutes, with saliva samples analyzed for microplastics. Results showed peak release in the first two minutes as the gum coating breaks down.

Reducing Exposure
To minimize intake, chew one piece longer instead of swapping frequently. This reduces repeated exposure during the high-release initial minutes.

The findings were presented at the American Chemical Society meeting (March 23–37), highlighting the need for further research into microplastics’ long-term effects.

Final Tip: Opt for gum-free breath fresheners or chew longer per piece to cut microplastic ingestion.

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