Chewing gum has microplastics!
A study from the US found that chewing gum releases tiny plastic pieces called microplastics. On average, 1 gram of gum releases about 100 microplastics.
A normal piece of gum weighs 2 to 6 grams, so it could release more than 3,000 microplastics! Scientists are still studying this, so we don’t know if it is dangerous for our health yet.
What is chewing gum made of?
Chewing gum has three main ingredients: flavors, sweeteners, and a rubber-like base. This base can be natural (from tree sap) or synthetic (from plastic). The study found that both types of gum release the same amount of microplastics.
Do people eat microplastics?
Microplastics are very small plastic pieces. They come from bigger plastics breaking down. They can be 90 times smaller than a tiny grain of sand or as big as the tip of a pencil!
Many plastic things, like water bottles and tea bags, also release microplastics into our food and drinks. People eat more than 10,000 microplastic pieces every year!
Scientists have found microplastics in our lungs, liver, and even blood. Some studies say they might harm our cells, cause swelling, and weaken the immune system. Too many microplastics in our bodies may also lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
How to stay safe?
Most microplastics in gum come out in the first two minutes of chewing. So, instead of chewing many pieces, chew one for a long time. Also, don’t throw gum on the street or stick it to walls.
To avoid microplastics, you can:
- Use a metal water bottle instead of a plastic one.
- Don’t heat food in plastic containers.
- Use a wooden cutting board instead of a plastic one.
