US EditionChewing Gum Identified as Significant Source of Microplastics in Human Saliva
- Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found that chewing one piece of gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into saliva, which may then be swallowed.
- On average, one gram of gum releases 100 microplastic pieces, with some pieces shedding over 600.
- The researchers emphasized concerns about the environmental impact of discarded chewing gum and urged people to dispose of it properly.
- The study suggests that while microplastics may enter the body through gum, there is no direct evidence showing that they are harmful to health.
199 Articles
199 Articles
FOX 5 San Diego
Chewing gum releases thousands of microplastics into body, study finds
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A recent study found that chewing gum can release up to thousands of microplastics per piece and potentially be ingested, according to researchers. Lisa Lowe and Jamie Leonard, both graduate students at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Sanjay Mohanty, an engineering professor at UCLA, shared the findings at the American Chemical Society's 2025 Meeting and Expo in San Diego this week. San Diego health …
Jackson Progress-Argus
Gum May Be a Hidden Source of Microplastics
Key Takeaways
abc10 News
Chewing gum found to release microplastics into saliva
Chewing gum is the latest item found to release microplastics into our bodies. A pilot study from the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, which can then be potentially ingested.It is still unknown what harm microplastics may cause in the human body, but studies in animals and human cells suggest they are harmful. Researchers say they are not trying to alarm pe…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
