New Delhi, 7 April 2025: Plastic has become such a part of our lives today that it is present in water, food and air. But have you ever thought that your favorite chewing gum is also not out of its grip? Researchers at the University of California have made a shocking revelation—every time you chew chewing gum, hundreds of microplastic particles can enter your body. This news is not only surprising, but also raises serious questions about our health.

Connection between chewing gum and microplastic

Researcher Sanjay Mohanty of the University of California, Los Angeles has been studying the effects of microplastics for the last several years. His team recently found that microscopic plastic particles are present in chewing gum, which mix with saliva and reach the blood while chewing. Mohanty explains, “We ignore the presence of plastic in everyday things. Chewing gum is a recent example of this. As soon as you chew it, these particles enter your body.”

Scientist Lisa Lowery, involved in the research, conducted an experiment on herself to test this claim. She chewed 10 different brands of chewing gum, weighing between 1 to 1.5 grams. After chewing every time, her saliva sample was tested. The results were shocking – 100 to 600 microplastic particles were found in saliva from each chewing gum. Lowery says, “If a person chews 180 chewing gums in a year, then more than 30,000 microplastic particles can accumulate in his body. This figure forces us to think.”

How much danger to the body?

Microplastic entering the body is not a small matter. Researchers say that these micro particles can mix with the blood and give rise to many serious diseases. First of all, it affects the secretion of insulin, which increases the risk of diabetes. Apart from this, chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) present in plastic can disturb the hormonal balance. In men, it can reduce the number of sperms, and in women it can disrupt hormone secretion. If these particles reach the brain, then neurological problems can also arise.

Health expert Dr. Anita Sharma says, “The effect of microplastic is slow but deep. It accumulates in the body and can cause complex diseases in the long run. So much harm from a small thing like chewing gum is shocking.”

Plastic everywhere, now in chewing gum too

The presence of plastic is no longer a new thing. From water bottles to salt and spices, microplastics have been found everywhere. Recently a study revealed that a plastic bottle can contain millions of micro particles. But its presence in chewing gum has surprised people. This plastic is mixed in the base material of chewing gum, which is made from polymers like polyethylene or polyvinyl acetate. While chewing, these break down into small particles and enter the body.

What is the solution?

This revelation raises many questions. Should we stop eating chewing gum? Or should we look for safer alternatives for it? Researcher Sanjay Mohanty suggests, “Companies should work towards making plastic-free chewing gum. Also, people need to reduce its use.” Some companies are already using natural gum bases like chikki (tree sap), but these are less in the market right now and are also expensive.

Lisa Lowery says, “This is not just about chewing gum. We have to look at our lifestyle. It is difficult to avoid plastic, but with awareness we can reduce its impact.”

Need for awareness
This research is a warning not only for scientists but also for common people. Chewing gum is a habit of many people—some chew to reduce stress, while others chew to get rid of bad breath. But now the big disadvantages of this small habit are coming to light. Environmentalist Rakesh Jain says, “The plastic crisis is no longer limited to the sea or forests. It is also entering our body. We have to take it seriously.” The presence of plastic in chewing gum is another proof of how risky our modern lifestyle has become. This research forces us to think whether our small habits are leading us to pay a big price? The answer is probably yes, and now is the time to take action on it. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Contact a doctor for health advice.