A new study has found that chewing gum may release hundreds of tiny plastic particles—called microplastics—directly into the mouth. While the research is still in its early stages and not yet peer-reviewed, it adds to growing concerns about the many ways these plastic fragments can enter the human body.
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) presented their findings at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society. Their study focused on identifying whether chewing gum is a source of microplastic exposure—a question that had not been studied in depth before.
Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic, often less than 5 millimeters in size. Over the past few years, they’ve been found almost everywhere: in oceans, soil, mountain air, and even inside the human body.
Scientists have detected microplastics in human lungs, bloodstreams, and even brain tissue, raising concerns about their possible impact on health. However, researchers still don’t know for sure how harmful they may be.
“I don’t want to alarm people,” said Sanjay Mohanty, the study’s lead researcher. “There is no evidence directly showing that microplastics are harmful to human health.” But he emphasized that this study was meant to show another possible way these plastic particles can get into our bodies.
To test this, PhD student Lisa Lowe chewed seven pieces of gum from 10 different brands. After chewing, the researchers collected her saliva and used chemical analysis to measure the microplastic content.
On average, each gram of gum released about 100 microplastic fragments, although some types released over 600 fragments per gram. Since the average stick of gum weighs around 1.5 grams, chewing just one piece could mean ingesting around 150 microplastics.
If a person chews roughly 180 pieces of gum per year, they could be ingesting about 30,000 microplastics annually—just from gum. Still, this number is small compared to other known sources of plastic exposure. For example, researchers previously found that a single liter of bottled water may contain around 240,000 microplastic particles.
One reason gum may shed plastic is its synthetic base. Most chewing gum sold in stores today is made with petroleum-based polymers—the same kinds of plastics used in car tires and plastic bags. However, packaging labels typically don’t list these as “plastic,” instead using vague terms like “gum base.”
To explore this further, the team tested five brands of synthetic gum and five types of natural gum, which are made from tree sap and other plant-based ingredients. Surprisingly, both types released microplastics.
Not everyone is fully convinced by the findings. David Jones, a UK researcher not involved in the study, noted that some plastic particles the team detected aren’t normally found in gum. He suggested that contamination from lab equipment might be a possible explanation. Still, he said the idea that gum contains plastic is “not at all surprising.”
Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor from Australia, also downplayed the health risk. “If these tiny plastic pieces are swallowed, they will likely pass through the body without causing harm,” he said. “I don’t think you have to stop chewing gum just yet.”
The study also pointed out the environmental impact of gum. Because gum is often spit onto sidewalks and streets, it becomes another source of plastic pollution in cities. And since many types of gum do not break down naturally, they can stay in the environment for a long time.
The U.S. National Confectioners Association, which represents gum manufacturers, responded to the study by saying there’s no cause for concern. “Gum is safe to enjoy as it has been for more than 100 years,” the group said. It also noted that gum ingredients are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Review and Analysis
This small but intriguing study opens the door to a new conversation about microplastic exposure. While gum is not the largest source of plastic we ingest, the idea that it could release plastic directly into the mouth is worth noting.
It’s another reminder that modern products—especially those with hidden or unclear ingredients—may contribute to the broader issue of microplastic pollution in ways we haven’t considered.
It’s important to remember that this study is still awaiting peer review, meaning the results haven’t been independently verified yet. However, it highlights the need for more transparency from gum manufacturers and more research into how everyday items may be affecting both our health and the environment.
In the meantime, those who are concerned could consider switching to natural chewing gums made with plant-based ingredients—or simply chewing less often. And regardless of the health effects, avoiding littering gum can help reduce long-lasting plastic waste in our communities.
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