The Gum Truth: Unveiling the Microplastic Menace - AI Podcast

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