Microplastics in Our Bodies: A New Threat from Chewing Gum

Microplastics Invading Our Systems

Microplastics have made their way into our bodies, appearing in our bloodstream, lungs, and liver. They can enter our system through various means, such as ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.

• A single plastic teabag can release over 10 billion microplastic particles into a cup of tea.
• Plastic binders in paint can release microplastics into the air when sanded down.
• Microplastics can be swallowed from single-use plastic water bottles.
• Chewing gum is another recently discovered source of microplastics in the body.

Microplastics in Chewing Gum

Chewing gum contains long molecules called polymers, which can be natural or synthetic. Some synthetic polymers are derived from the petroleum industry and are similar to plastics. These polymers can release microparticles when chewed.

• A study found microplastics in both natural and synthetic chewing gums.
• One piece of gum could shed hundreds or a few thousand microplastic particles into the mouth, which are likely swallowed.
• Types of plastics found in gums include polystyrenes, polyethylenes, and polypropylenes.

Microplastics vs. Nanoplastics: Size Matters

The microplastics found in the saliva of the gum-chewing volunteer were 20 micrometers or more in size. However, nanoplastics, which are 500 to 1,000 times smaller, are the ones known to harm cells and embryos.

• Nanoplastics can be engulfed by living cells via a process called endocytosis.
• When absorbed into cells, nanoplastics can cause cells to produce toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species.
• Nanoplastics have been shown to cause birth defects in animal embryos.

Health Risks of Microplastics

While the chewing gum study shows how easily we can be exposed to microplastics, it is unclear if there are any health risks associated with chewing gum. The microplastics found in gum are relatively large, and the effects of such large particles in the human body are unknown.

Some commentators believe that the potential health risks of microplastics have been exaggerated, while others criticize the quality of some scientific studies on microplastics. It remains to be seen whether the microplastic scare will turn out to be justified or just hype.