Omar Khalid
Chewing gum is one of the most popular confectionery products, with 160.03 million Americans chewing gum or bubble gum in 2020. However, it may come as a surprise that chewing gum contains plastic. A key ingredient in most chewing gums is polyvinyl acetate, a plastic also used in glue, plastic bags, and bottles. This plastic is listed in the ingredients as gum base. While the FDA has approved the use of plastics in chewing gum, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a risk to humans. These studies found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva per piece, which are then ingested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Polyvinyl acetate (plastic) |
| Other Names | Gum base, thermoplastic, thermosoftening plastic |
| Used In | Glue, plastic bags, bottles |
| FDA Stance | Safe for use in chewing gum |
| Microplastics Released | Hundreds to thousands per piece |
| Eco-friendly Alternatives | Glee Gum, Simply Gum |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Chewing gum is made with polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic
- Microplastics are released into saliva when chewing gum
- The FDA considers plastic in chewing gum safe for consumption
- Chewing gum is the only food with plastic as an ingredient
- Eco-friendly plastic-free gum is available from brands like Glee Gum
Chewing gum is made with polyvinyl acetate, a type of plastic
Polyvinyl acetate is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. It is used in chewing gum to make it chewy. While it is surprising to some, chewing gum may be the only food that intentionally contains plastic. However, there are brands of chewing gum that do not contain plastic, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of polyvinyl acetate in chewing gum, along with 45 other substances that make up the gum base. The FDA has stated that it has:
> "evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up chewing gum base... The 46 substances that we have reviewed and determined to be safe for this use can be found in our regulations."
Despite this, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans, and that chewing gum could be a source of microplastic exposure. 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, it is important to note that the health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood, and the researchers of the study emphasised that their goal was not to alarm anyone.
Brain Plasticity: Shaping Development and Potential
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Microplastics are released into saliva when chewing gum
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 tested five brands of synthetic gum and five brands of natural gum, all of which are commercially available. The researchers 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. 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. If the average person chews 160 to 180 small sticks of gum per year, they could ingest around 30,000 microplastics from gum alone.
The study's researchers suggested that the microplastics were released due to the abrasive nature of chewing, rather than enzymes in saliva breaking them down. After 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles collected during the tests had been released. The researchers also noted that the study was limited to identifying microplastics 20-micrometers-wide or larger, and that smaller plastic particles may have been present but not detected.
While the long-term effects of microplastic ingestion are not yet fully understood, there is growing evidence of potential health harms. Additionally, chewing gum may be a significant source of plastic pollution when people spit it out onto sidewalks or other public places.
It is important to note that the study's authors and the National Confectioners Association have stated that there is no cause for alarm, and that the ingredients used in chewing gum are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has reviewed the safety of many substances used in chewing gum bases and has determined that they are safe for consumption.
Unlocking the Condom Box: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The FDA considers plastic in chewing gum safe for consumption
Chewing gum is one of the only foods that intentionally contain plastic. The plastic in chewing gum is called polyvinyl acetate, which is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. Polyvinyl acetate is a thermoplastic, which is any plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling.
The "gum base" in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate. The FDA has approved the use of plastics in chewing gum and considers them safe for consumption. An FDA spokesperson stated that they have evaluated the safety of many substances used to make up the chewing gum base and 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.
However, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. 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 that the act of chewing is abrasive enough to make pieces of plastic flake off. After 8 minutes of chewing, 94% of the plastic particles collected during the tests had been released. The researchers concluded that the plastic released into saliva is a small fraction of the plastic that's in the gum.
While the long-term effects of microplastic exposure are not well understood, there is emerging evidence of potential health harms. Scientists estimate that humans consume tens of thousands of microplastics every year through food, drink, and other sources. Chewing gum as a potential source of microplastics has not been widely studied, despite its worldwide popularity.
Amazon's Plastic-Free Future: How to Request Less Plastic Packaging
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chewing gum is the only food with plastic as an ingredient
Chewing gum is one of the most popular confectionery products in the world, with 160.03 million Americans chewing gum or bubble gum in 2020. However, it may come as a surprise that chewing gum contains plastic. The "gum base" listed in the ingredients of chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic.
Polyvinyl acetate is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles. It is a thermosoftening plastic, which means it becomes pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of polyvinyl acetate in chewing gum, deeming it safe for consumption.
Despite the FDA's approval, recent studies have raised concerns about the presence of microplastics in chewing gum. These studies found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles per piece into saliva, potentially leading to ingestion. The act of chewing was found to be abrasive enough to cause plastic particles to flake off, with 94% of the particles released within the first eight minutes of chewing.
While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still under investigation, it is important to note that chewing gum may be the only food that intentionally contains plastic as an ingredient. There are brands of chewing gum that do not contain plastic, and the FDA has reviewed and approved several substances, including chicle and natural resins, for use in chewing gum bases.
The Truth About Sterilite Plastic: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Eco-friendly plastic-free gum is available from brands like Glee Gum
Chewing gum is one of the only foods that intentionally contains plastic. The "gum base" in the list of ingredients is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these plastics for use in chewing gum, but recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. In a pilot study, researchers found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested.
However, there are brands of chewing gum that do not contain plastic. One such brand is True Gum, which was founded in 2017 by Jacob, Peter, Zabrina, and Morten. True Gum is made from the sap of gum trees and other natural, plant-based ingredients. It is produced in a factory in Copenhagen, Denmark, and packaged in sustainable cardboard boxes. Another option is Honest Gum, which is made from natural chicle, a plant-based product, and uses plant-based sweeteners. It is free from synthetic components, additives, and preservatives, and its colour and flavours are naturally obtained. Honest Gum is available in compostable and recyclable cardboard boxes and is biodegradable.
Other plastic-free gum brands include Chicza Organic Mayan Rainforest Chewing Gum, which is made with all organic ingredients, and Chewsy, a UK-based brand that uses completely natural, plant-based ingredients and is sugar-free. Gud Gum is India's first plastic-free chewing gum. These brands offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chewing gum, which is often made with synthetic rubbers and plastics. By choosing plastic-free gum, consumers can reduce their exposure to microplastics and support companies that prioritize sustainability and the environment.
Attaching Plastic Lattice to Metal: Best Methods Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums. It is listed in the ingredients as "gum base" and is made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic.
Chemically speaking, no. Chewing gum is not a pure enough plastic to be defined as one, it just contains plastic.
Glee Gum and Simply Gum are some eco-friendly chewing gum brands that make plastic-free gum.
Yes, according to a pilot study, chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested.
The health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood. The FDA considers these plastics safe for use in chewing gum.
