Maya Ellison
Chewing gum is a product enjoyed by many, but it has recently come under scrutiny for its potential to contain plastic. While natural gum bases exist, such as chicle and other tree saps, many popular gum brands contain polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic that is also used in glue, plastic bags, and bottles. This plastic ingredient is often listed as gum base and gives the gum its chewy texture. The presence of plastic in chewing gum has raised concerns about its potential health and environmental impacts, particularly as chewed gum can end up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does gum have plastic in it? | Yes, a key ingredient in most chewing gums is plastic. |
| What type of plastic is in gum? | Polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic. |
| How much plastic is in gum? | One study found an average of 100 microplastics per gram of gum, with some pieces producing up to 600 microplastics per gram. Another study estimated that people consume a credit card's worth of plastic per week. |
| Is plastic in gum harmful? | The health effects of microplastics in gum are not yet fully understood, but there are concerns about their potential impact, especially on children. The FDA has evaluated the safety of substances used to make up chewing gum bases and determined that 46 substances are safe for this use. |
| Are there plastic-free gum alternatives? | Yes, there are some eco-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable gum brands on the market, such as Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and The Humble Co. |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing gum contains plastic
The global chewing gum market is valued at 105 million USD and is expected to grow to 133 million USD by 2027. With so many people consuming gum, it is important to be aware of the plastic content and its potential impact on health and the environment.
Studies have found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva, which may then be ingested. Both natural and synthetic gums were found to contain microplastics, although the health effects of this are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that microplastics are harmful to marine life and can enter the human food chain.
To reduce the environmental harm caused by chewing gum, individuals can opt for sustainable alternatives. Plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gums are available and typically use natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap.
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Microplastics are released into saliva
Chewing gum has been found to release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into the saliva that may be ingested. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that, on average, 100 microplastics were released per gram of chewing gum. The study examined five types of synthetic gum and five types of natural gum, all of which are commercially available. The researchers found that both synthetic and natural gums contained similar amounts of microplastics, with the highest amount being polyolefins, a type of plastic.
The act of chewing gum is abrasive enough to make microplastic pieces flake off. Most of the microplastics are released within the first few minutes of chewing, and after 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles had been released. This suggests that chewing one piece of gum for a longer duration is preferable to chewing multiple pieces for shorter durations to reduce microplastic ingestion. The study also estimated that, given the average person chews 160 to 180 small sticks of gum per year, this could result in the ingestion of around 30,000 microplastics.
While the long-term effects of exposure to microplastics are not yet fully understood, there is emerging evidence of potential health harms. Additionally, the plastic released into saliva is only a small fraction of the plastic present in the gum, and improper disposal of gum can contribute to the global plastic waste problem. Therefore, it is important to dispose of gum properly and be mindful of the environment.
It is worth noting that there are plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gum alternatives available that utilize natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap. These alternatives may be preferable for consumers concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of plastic-based gum.
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Plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums
Chewing gum is one of the many everyday items that contain plastic. In fact, plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums. The "gum base" listed in the ingredients of chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic. Polyvinyl acetate is a thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, which becomes pliable or mouldable at certain high temperatures and solidifies upon cooling.
The global chewing gum market was valued at 105 million USD in 2020 and is predicted to grow to 133 million USD by 2027. This extensive use of chewing gum has contributed to the plastic waste problem, as gum is typically packaged in plastic, and often ends up sitting in landfills or polluting the ocean.
However, it is important to note that not all chewing gums contain plastic. Some brands, such as Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and The Humble Co, offer plastic-free alternatives made with natural gum bases like chicle or tree sap. These biodegradable options are better for the environment and the consumer's health.
While the plastic in chewing gum has been approved by the FDA, there are concerns about the potential health effects of ingesting microplastics. Studies have found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into saliva, which may be ingested. As a result, some experts recommend reducing the frequency of chewing gum or opting for plastic-free alternatives.
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The health effects of microplastics are not fully understood
Chewing gum typically contains plastic, specifically polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic or thermosoftening plastic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of plastics in chewing gum, deeming them safe for human consumption. However, the health effects of microplastics are not fully understood, and ongoing research is exploring their potential impact on human health.
Microplastics are synthetic polymer compounds that form when large plastic materials break down into tiny particles. They are prevalent in the environment, found in oceans, remote islands, and polar regions, posing a significant threat to ecosystems. While oral intake is the primary exposure route for humans, microplastics can also enter the body through inhalation and skin contact.
Research on the adverse effects of microplastics on human health is limited, and the complex sources and diverse occurrences of microplastics pose challenges in understanding their toxic effects. However, studies have indicated that microplastics can induce toxic effects in humans, including oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, immune response abnormalities, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.
In animal experiments, exposure to microplastics has been linked to increased inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism disturbances, with more severe impacts observed in diabetic mice. Microplastic neurotoxicity has also been reported, with nanoparticles accumulating in the central nervous system and causing microglia activation and neuron damage. Additionally, studies have suggested a potential link between microplastics and cognitive dysfunction, locomotor function alterations, and anticholinesterase activity.
The potential health hazards of microplastics extend beyond direct toxicity, as they can also act as a medium for environmental toxic substances, such as bisphenol A, which are then absorbed into the body. Microplastics have been detected in the placentas of pregnant women, raising concerns about possible impacts on fetal development. Furthermore, microplastics interfere with hormone production, release, transport, metabolism, and elimination, leading to endocrine disruption and an increased risk of various endocrine disorders.
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There are plastic-free gum alternatives
Chewing gum typically contains plastic, specifically polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic material that becomes mouldable at elevated temperatures. This plastic is often listed on the ingredients as "gum base", which can also include natural substances like chicle and natural resins. However, there are plastic-free gum alternatives available, which use natural gum bases like chicle, a sustainable tree sap sourced from Central America.
Some plastic-free gum brands include Simply Gum and Nuud Gum. Simply Gum offers a range of flavours, including peppermint, and uses natural chicle base, organic raw cane sugar, natural peppermint oil, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic rice flour. Nuud Gum also advertises its product as "chew plants, not plastic".
There are also non-toxic gum brands that offer a variety of flavours and use biodegradable, plant-based ingredients. These gums typically use natural sweeteners like xylitol, honey, or cane sugar, and natural ingredients like beeswax or candelilla wax to help the gum hold its shape. These plastic-free alternatives are better for the environment, as conventional gum can linger on sidewalks, in oceans, and in landfills for decades, contributing to the global plastic waste problem.
When choosing a plastic-free gum, it is important to read the ingredients list carefully. Avoid products that list "gum base" without any specifics, as this often indicates the presence of synthetic ingredients and plastics. Opt for brands that specify the use of chicle or other natural gum bases, and avoid artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and artificial colours and flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most chewing gum contains plastic. The ingredient known as "gum base" in the list of ingredients is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic.
The health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, the FDA has evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum bases and has determined 46 substances to be safe for this use.
Yes, the small percentage of gum that is properly binned will just end up sitting in a landfill. Plastic gum is typically packaged in more plastic, further adding to our global plastic waste problem. If gum isn't properly thrown away, it's another source of plastic pollution.
Yes, there are some eco-friendly chewing gum brands on the market that make plastic-free gum. Such as Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and The Humble Co. These gums have returned to the original recipes, using natural gum bases like chicle, harvested tree sap.
