Alexei Volkov
Chewing gum is a popular product, particularly among children and young people, and has been shown to have benefits such as improving cognitive function and aiding weight management. However, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of plastic fillers in chewing gum. While there are brands of chewing gum that do not contain plastic, many traditional chewing gum brands use synthetic materials, including plastic. Recent studies have found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, which may then be ingested. These microplastics are likely to come from the synthetic polymers used in chewing gum bases, which are also found in everyday plastic consumer products. While the health effects of microplastics are still unknown, it is important to be informed about the potential presence of plastic in chewing gum and to consider choosing plastic-free alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic fillers in chewing gum | Yes, chewing gum contains plastic fillers. |
| Harmful effects | Harmful effects of plastic fillers in chewing gum are not yet known. |
| Plastic fillers in natural gum | Natural gums use a plant-based polymer, such as chicle or other tree sap, to achieve the right chewiness. |
| Microplastics | Chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. |
| Plastic fillers in synthetic gum | Synthetic gum bases use synthetic rubber bases from petroleum-based polymers. |
| Plastic pollution | Chewing gum is the world's second most common form of litter after cigarette butts, contributing to plastic pollution. |
| Plastic-free chewing gum | Some manufacturers have introduced plastic-free chewing gums, which are gradually gaining popularity. |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing gum is made from plastic
Chewing gum is, therefore, non-digestible and water-insoluble, which means it can be chewed for a long time without breaking down. This property also means that when gum is improperly discarded, it becomes a source of plastic pollution, sticking to streets or entering waterways and being ingested by wildlife, contributing to biodiversity loss.
A pilot study by the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, which are then ingested. The study found that a typical piece of gum weighing between 2 and 6 grams could release up to 3,000 plastic particles. These microplastics are likely to be present in the environment as well, as only about 10% of plastic gets recycled, with the remaining plastic breaking down into microplastics that contaminate food and water sources.
Despite the presence of plastic in chewing gum, the FDA has evaluated the safety of the substances used in gum bases and has determined that they are safe for consumption. However, the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still unknown, and the presence of plastic in chewing gum has raised concerns among consumers, leading to the development of plastic-free and natural gum alternatives.
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Plastic fillers in gum are harmful
Chewing gum is a product that is liked by many people, especially youngsters and students, for its refreshing taste and variety of flavours. It is also used to keep teeth clean when one cannot brush them, fight drowsiness, eliminate nausea, or reduce heartburn. However, despite its benefits, the plastic fillers in chewing gum can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment.
Firstly, chewing gum may be the only food that intentionally contains plastic. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed the plastic used in chewing gum safe for human consumption, it is important to note that the long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion are still unknown. According to Dr Sanjay Mohanty, an engineering professor at UCLA, "Scientists don't know if microplastics are unsafe for us or not. There are no human trials. But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life, and that's what we wanted to examine here."
Secondly, chewing gum has been found to release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, which can then be ingested. This was discovered through a pilot study conducted by researchers from the American Chemical Society, where they found that an average of 100 microplastics were released per gram of gum, with some individual gum pieces releasing up to 600 microplastics per gram. This means that a large piece of gum could release up to 3,000 plastic particles. These microplastics are the same size as those found in everyday plastic consumer products.
Thirdly, the plastic in chewing gum contributes to environmental pollution. Chewing gum is the world's second most common form of litter after cigarette butts, and it sticks to our streets or enters our waterways, contributing to biodiversity loss. In addition, if used gum is not properly disposed of, it can be ingested by wildlife and break down into microplastics that contaminate our environment.
Lastly, the artificial sweeteners, flavours, and preservatives commonly found in chewing gum are mostly synthetic materials that can have hazardous effects on health with prolonged use.
In conclusion, while chewing gum may offer some benefits, the presence of plastic fillers and other synthetic materials can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. It is important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with chewing gum and to choose plastic-free and natural alternatives whenever possible.
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Plastic fillers in gum are safe
Chewing gum is a product that is liked by people of all ages, from children to adults, and is used for its refreshing taste and variety of flavours. It is also used to keep teeth clean, fight drowsiness, eliminate nausea, or reduce heartburn.
Chewing gum is made from a rubbery base, sweeteners, flavourings, and other ingredients. Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer, such as chicle or other tree sap, to achieve the right chewiness, while other products use synthetic rubber bases from petroleum-based polymers. Synthetic gum bases are usually made from butadiene-based synthetic rubber, which is essentially plastic made from oil.
While it is true that chewing gum contains plastic, the FDA has evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum bases. The FDA spokesperson stated that "The 46 substances that we have reviewed and determined to be safe for this use can be found in our regulations." The list of acceptable substances includes chicle and natural resins, as well as plastics and wood rosins. The FDA has reviewed the safety of chewing gum base constituents multiple times since at least 1960, with the most recent formal evaluation concluding in April 2020.
In addition, the FDA has also reviewed studies that are specific to substances like chewing gum bases. For example, some studies used simulated saliva and/or chewing to measure the components of the chewing gum base that could dissolve out of the gum and into the saliva. The safety of any substances that were found to migrate out of the gum was also evaluated. As with any food ingredient, the FDA revisits the safety of the use of an ingredient as appropriate when new safety information becomes available. Therefore, it can be concluded that the plastic fillers in gum are safe for consumption, according to the FDA.
However, it is important to note that there are also plastic-free chewing gum options available in the market. These gums are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any plastic or other questionable ingredients. They are gaining popularity among health-conscious people who care about the planet.
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Plastic-free chewing gum alternatives
Chewing gum is made of plastic and synthetic rubber bases derived from petroleum-based polymers. It may be the only food that intentionally contains plastic. The plastic in chewing gum breaks down into microplastics, which are released into the saliva of the person chewing the gum. These microplastics are then ingested and can have hazardous effects on health with prolonged use.
However, there are several plastic-free chewing gum alternatives available. These gums are made from natural, compostable, and biodegradable ingredients. Here are some popular brands:
Chewsy Gum
Chewsy is a UK-based company that uses natural, plant-based, vegan, and biodegradable ingredients. Their gum is sugar-free and sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener that supports dental health. Chewsy's gum is made from Chicle, a natural gum base, and does not contain any artificial colours or flavours.
Oh My Gum
Oh My Gum was founded by Malak Ben Hmeda, who was horrified to discover that regular chewing gum was made of plastic. The company's chewing gum range is made from 100% plant-based ingredients, is sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and uses sustainable packaging. Oh My Gum also uses xylitol as a sweetener and natural mint flavouring.
Georganics
Georganics' natural chewing gum is made from Chicle and Arabic gum derived from Sapodilla and Acacia trees. It is flavoured with natural peppermint and sweetened with sugar-free Xylitol. The company claims that its gum range helps freshen breath and remove food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay.
True Gum
True Gum is a plastic-free product produced in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is made with sap from gum trees and natural flavours and sweeteners, including xylitol, a plant-based sweetener with a lower calorific value than sugar.
Chicza Organic Mayan Rainforest Chewing Gum
Chicza Organic Mayan Rainforest Chewing Gum is made with all organic ingredients. The company studied ancient Mayan traditions and chose to use Chicle tree sap as a natural gum base.
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Gum pollution and plastic waste
Chewing gum is made from a rubbery base, sweeteners, flavourings, and other ingredients. Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer, such as chicle or other tree sap, to achieve the right chewiness, while other products use synthetic rubber bases from petroleum-based polymers.
Chewing gum is a significant source of plastic pollution. It is estimated that the global chewing gum market is worth around $19 billion a year, with an estimated weight of 100,000 tons. That is 100,000 tons of plastic pollution being thrown into the environment every year. Chewing gum, like other plastics, does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for many years. It will eventually break down into microplastics, but this can take decades. In the meantime, it often ends up in sewers and waterways, where it pollutes water and harms animal life. It can also seep into the ground and contaminate water tables.
Chewing gum is also a source of microplastic pollution. A pilot study by the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. The study found an average of 100 microplastics released per gram of gum, though some individual pieces of gum released up to 600 microplastics per gram. A typical piece of gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams, meaning a large piece of gum could release up to 3,000 plastic particles. These microplastics can have harmful effects on the health of humans and animals who ingest them.
There have been some efforts to address the problem of gum pollution. In the UK, the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy launched the Chewing Gum Task Force in 2021, with three major manufacturers committing up to £10 million to clean up gum litter and change behaviour so that more people bin their gum. In many public locations around the UK, gum collection pots supplied by Gumdrop Ltd have been installed to collect and recycle used gum. However, binning gum is not a solution to gum pollution, as it is still a form of plastic pollution that needs to be addressed from all angles, including education, reduction, alternatives, innovation, producer responsibility, and legislation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chewing gum is made from a rubbery base, sweeteners, flavourings, and other ingredients. Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer, while other products use synthetic rubber bases derived from petroleum-based polymers.
A pilot study by the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. However, the FDA considers these plastics safe for use in chewing gum.
Yes, there are several plastic-free chewing gum options available, such as Chicza Organic Mayan Rainforest Chewing Gum, which is made with all organic ingredients. Other natural options are also available.
