Chewing Gum Dirty Secret: Gum Detonates Microplastic Bombs in Your Mouth
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles – between 1 micrometer- and 5 millimeters-wide. Every year, humans unknowingly consume a significant amount of plastic through various sources, with one surprising culprit being chewing gum. While gum has been a popular choice for freshening breath and improving focus for centuries, its dark side is now coming to light.
Most chewing gum contains a synthetic rubber base, which gives it the chewy texture we all know. This base is made of polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, both derived from plastic. As a result, when you chew gum, you are essentially chewing on a blend of plastic and chemicals.
The main issue arises when gum is discarded irresponsibly. When spat out on the ground or into a trash can, it mixes with dirt, creating a sticky composite that is nearly impossible to remove. This mixture then hardens into a solid mass that can last for centuries, contributing to environmental pollution. But the problem goes even deeper.
As you chew gum, the saliva in your mouth softens it into a pliable mass. The mechanical action of chewing breaks down the gum into smaller and smaller pieces. These tiny particles, too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, find their way into rivers and oceans, where they pose a serious threat to marine life.
When gum is exposed to the elements or undergoes further mechanical stress, it can break down into microplastics. These minuscule plastic particles act as magnets for toxins, absorbing harmful chemicals present in the environment. When you swallow these microplastics, you are also ingesting these toxins, which can have detrimental effects on your health.
Researchers have found that these microplastics can accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and even cellular damage. The long-term consequences of regularly consuming microplastics are still being studied, but the initial findings are concerning.
So, what can be done to address this issue? One solution is to choose gum made from natural ingredients like chicle, a natural gum base derived from the sap of Sapodilla trees. Chicle is biodegradable and does not pose the same environmental and health risks as synthetic rubber bases.
Furthermore, proper disposal of gum is essential. Instead of spitting it out on the ground or sticking it under desks or tables, wrap it in a piece of paper and throw it in the trash. By taking these small steps, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our environment and our bodies.
In conclusion, the next time you reach for a stick of gum, consider the hidden consequences of this seemingly harmless habit. By being more mindful of the products we consume and their impact on the environment, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier future for all.
microplastics, chewing gum, environmental pollution, health risks, synthetic rubber bases.
