Alexei Volkov
Chewing gum has been found to contain microplastics, which are released into saliva when chewed. A study by the American Chemical Society found that, on average, 100 microplastics were released per gram of chewing gum. Both natural and synthetic gums were found to contain microplastics, with the highest amount being polyolefins, a type of plastic that includes polyethylene and polypropylene. While the health risks of consuming microplastics are still unknown, it is estimated that humans consume tens of thousands of microplastics every year through various sources, including food, drinks, and plastic packaging. With this in mind, it is worth investigating whether Trident gum, a popular brand of chewing gum, contains plastic and contributes to the ingestion of microplastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in Trident gum | Yes |
| Microplastics released per gram of gum | 100 on average, with some releasing up to 600 |
| Microplastics released in the first 2 minutes of chewing | Most of the microplastics |
| Microplastics released in 8 minutes of chewing | 94% |
| Microplastics released per gram of gum weight | A typical piece of gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams, meaning a large piece could release up to 3000 plastic particles |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing Trident gum releases microplastics into saliva
Chewing gum has been found to release microplastics into saliva. While the health effects of microplastics are still being studied, it is known that humans are exposed to microplastics in everyday life through food, drinks, and plastic packaging. Chewing gum may be another source of exposure.
A pilot study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested. The study presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society in 2025 examined both natural and synthetic chewing gums, finding microplastic release in both types.
The act of chewing was found to be abrasive enough to make pieces of microplastic flake off the gum. After 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles collected during the tests had been released. The researchers measured an average of 100 microplastics released per gram of gum, with some individual gum pieces releasing up to 600 microplastics per gram.
While the brand of gum used in the study was not specified, it is likely that Trident gum, as a widely consumed brand, could be included in future studies on the release of microplastics from chewing gum.
To reduce potential exposure to microplastics from chewing gum, it is suggested to chew one piece for a longer duration instead of frequently replacing it with a new piece. Additionally, individuals concerned about microplastic exposure can consider plastic-free gum alternatives, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
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Natural and synthetic gums contain the same polymers
Chewing gum has been found to contain microplastics, which are released into saliva when chewed. A pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that both natural and synthetic chewing gums released microplastics into saliva. The study specifically measured the number of microplastics present in saliva samples collected after chewing gum for 4 minutes, with saliva samples taken every 30 seconds and a final mouth rinse with clean water. On average, they found 100 microplastics 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, which typically weighs between 2 and 6 grams, could release up to 3,000 plastic particles.
The presence of microplastics in chewing gum is attributed to the use of polymers in the gum base, which gives the gum its rubbery texture and chewiness. Natural gum products use plant-based polymers such as chicle or other tree sap, while synthetic gum products use petroleum-based polymers. Interestingly, the study found that both types of gums, natural and synthetic, contained the same kind of polymers, with the highest amount being polyolefins, which include polyethylene and polypropylene. This finding suggests that the source of the polymers may not be a significant factor in the presence of microplastics in chewing gum.
The release of microplastics from chewing gum is primarily due to the mechanical action of chewing, rather than the breakdown of the polymers by enzymes in saliva. Within the first 2 minutes of chewing, most of the microplastics detach from the gum, and by 8 minutes, 94% of the plastic particles have been released. This suggests that the longer a piece of gum is chewed, the more microplastics are released. As a result, individuals who chew gum for extended periods may be exposing themselves to higher levels of microplastic ingestion.
While the health risks of ingesting microplastics from chewing gum are not yet fully understood, it is concerning that chewing gum adds to the existing exposure to microplastics from other sources in our daily lives. The study's principal investigator, Sanjay Mohanty, emphasized that their goal is not to alarm anyone, but to highlight the presence of microplastics in chewing gum and the potential for ingestion. Further research is needed to assess the health impacts of microplastics and to determine if chewing gum contributes significantly to microplastic exposure.
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Chewing gum contains polyvinyl acetate, a plastic
Chewing gum has been found to contain plastic, specifically polyvinyl acetate. This substance is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. It is the ingredient that gives chewing gum its signature chewiness and can be found listed in the ingredients as "gum base".
A pilot study conducted 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 act of chewing was found to be abrasive enough to cause microplastic particles to flake off the gum. After 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles collected during the tests had been released.
Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer, such as chicle or other tree sap, to achieve the desired chewiness. Synthetic gum bases, on the other hand, are made from petroleum-based polymers. Synthetic gums were hypothesized to contain more microplastics due to their plastic base. However, the study found that both synthetic and natural gums contained similar amounts of microplastics, with the highest amount being polyolefins, a type of plastic that includes polyethylene and polypropylene.
While the health effects of ingesting microplastics from chewing gum are not yet fully understood, some experts recommend reducing exposure to microplastics by refraining from chewing gum or choosing plastic-free gum alternatives, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
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Chewing gum is a source of microplastic ingestion
Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer, such as chicle or other tree sap, to achieve the right chewiness, while synthetic gum bases are made from petroleum-based polymers. Both synthetic and natural gums were found to contain the same kind of polymers, with the highest amount being polyolefins, a type of plastic that includes polyethylene and polypropylene.
Polyvinyl acetate, a key ingredient in most chewing gums, is also a plastic. It is used to give gum its chewy texture and is listed in the ingredients as a "gum base".
The potential health risks of ingesting microplastics through chewing gum are not yet fully understood. Scientists have not conducted human trials to determine the safety of microplastics, but they are known to be present in everyday life, with studies showing that people eat, drink, and breathe microplastics. Microplastics have been detected in bottled water, and a recent study found the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in human arterial plaque, linking their ingestion to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
To reduce exposure to microplastics from gum, it is suggested that people chew one piece for a longer duration rather than frequently replacing it with a new piece. There are also plastic-free gum options available from brands such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
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Microplastics are released within the first 2 minutes of chewing
While the potential health risks of microplastics are still being studied, it is clear that chewing gum is a source of exposure to these tiny plastic particles. In a pilot study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), it was found that microplastics are released from chewing gum within the first 2 minutes of chewing.
The study, which was presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society, revealed that both natural and synthetic chewing gums release microplastics into saliva. On average, 100 microplastics were released per gram of gum, with some individual pieces yielding up to 600 microplastics per gram. This means that a typical piece of gum, weighing between 2 and 6 grams, can release up to 3,000 plastic particles.
The researchers measured the number of microplastics in saliva samples collected at different intervals during the experiment. They found that most of the microplastics were released within the first 2 minutes of chewing, with 94% of the plastic particles being released by the 8-minute mark. The act of chewing was found to be abrasive enough to cause the plastic particles to flake off the gum.
While the health risks of microplastics are not yet fully understood, the study's principal investigator, Sanjay Mohanty, emphasized that the goal is not to alarm anyone. Scientists are still unsure about the potential health effects of microplastics, and more research is needed to assess the release of smaller, nano-sized plastics from chewing gum. However, the study highlights the presence of microplastics in chewing gum and the potential for ingestion of these particles.
To reduce exposure to microplastics from gum, it is suggested that individuals chew one piece for a longer duration instead of frequently replacing it with a new piece. Additionally, there are eco-friendly chewing gum brands on the market that offer plastic-free alternatives, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is plastic in Trident gum. A key ingredient in most chewing gums is polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic.
On average, there are 100 microplastics released per gram of chewing gum. However, some individual gum pieces released as many as 600 microplastics per gram.
Scientists don't yet know if microplastics are unsafe for humans. However, studies have found microplastics and nanoplastics in human arterial plaque, suggesting a link to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Microplastics are everywhere, and humans may be exposed to them through drinks, foods, plastic packaging, chopping boards, sponges, coatings on products, and the manufacturing process of items.
Yes, there are some eco-friendly chewing gum brands on the market that make plastic-free gum, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
