April 25, 2025

The Gum Truth: Unveiling the Microplastic Menace - AI Podcast

8 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Chewing a single piece of gum can release up to 3,000 microplastic particles into your mouth within minutes, with most released in the first 60 seconds
Both synthetic and "natural" chewing gums release similar amounts of plastic particles, which include types used in packaging and automotive parts
Regular gum chewers may ingest around 30,000 plastic particles annually, adding to microplastic exposure from other sources like food packaging and bottled water
Most consumers are unaware that "gum base" contains oil-based synthetic rubbers similar to those used in car tires and plastic bags
Discarded gum doesn't biodegrade but persists as environmental plastic pollution for decades, making it both a health and environmental concern

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14501,450 ratings

April 25, 2025

8 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Chewing a single piece of gum can release up to 3,000 microplastic particles into your mouth within minutes, with most released in the first 60 seconds
Both synthetic and "natural" chewing gums release similar amounts of plastic particles, which include types used in packaging and automotive parts
Regular gum chewers may ingest around 30,000 plastic particles annually, adding to microplastic exposure from other sources like food packaging and bottled water
Most consumers are unaware that "gum base" contains oil-based synthetic rubbers similar to those used in car tires and plastic bags
Discarded gum doesn't biodegrade but persists as environmental plastic pollution for decades, making it both a health and environmental concern

...more