(NaturalHealth365)   That pack of gum in your purse or desk drawer might be hiding an unpleasant surprise.  New research suggests that every piece you chew could release thousands of microplastics into your mouth.

We already know microplastics are in our oceans, our drinking water, and even the air we breathe – but now scientists have discovered they’re also hiding in something many of us enjoy daily without a second thought.

Microplastics found in both synthetic and “natural” gums

In findings presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, UCLA researchers discovered something that might make you think twice before unwrapping your next stick of gum.  Led by Professor Sanjay Mohanty and graduate student Lisa Lowe, the team found that chewing gum – whether synthetic or “natural” – releases hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles per piece.

“We were honestly surprised that both types of gum showed similar results,” Lowe explained.  “We expected synthetic gums to release more plastics, but natural gums contained the same polymers.”

On average, each gram of gum releases about 100 microplastic particles, with some brands shedding up to 600 particles per gram.  With typical gum pieces weighing 2-6 grams, that’s potentially 3,000 plastic particles entering your system from just one piece.

Chew longer, consume fewer plastics?

The researchers discovered something interesting about chewing habits, too.  Most plastics (94%) are released within the first eight minutes of chewing, with the bulk coming loose in the first two minutes.

“If you’re concerned about microplastic exposure, you might want to stick with one piece longer instead of constantly grabbing fresh ones,” Lowe suggested.

Should we be worried?

The FDA hasn’t established limits for microplastics in food and currently maintains they don’t pose known health risks.  The gum industry, predictably, insists their products are perfectly safe.

“Gum is safe to enjoy as it has been for more than 100 years,” a spokesperson for the National Confectioners Association said in an emailed statement.

But emerging research paints a more worrying picture.  A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine followed 312 patients who had artery plaques removed.  Those with microplastics in their plaques were 2.1 times more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, or death over the following 34 months.

Practical ways to reduce your exposure

If you’re not ready to give up your gum habit entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize potential risks:

• Look for truly natural chicle-based gums with minimal processing
• Chew one piece longer instead of multiple fresh pieces or just quit chewing gum
• Try natural breath fresheners like mint leaves, cloves, or fennel seeds
• Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce your need for breath fresheners

While scientists continue investigating the health effects of ingesting microplastics, these simple steps can help reduce your exposure to this surprisingly significant source of plastic particles in our daily lives.  Your mouth – and unquestionably your long-term health – will thank you for the caution.

Sources for this article include:

Eurekalert.com
NEJM.org
Childrenshealthdefense.org