A recent study has raised concerns about the potential health risks of chewing gum, with findings suggesting that both synthetic and natural varieties could release harmful microplastics. These tiny particles, which can be ingested through saliva, have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and heart disease.
The pilot study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), tested various types of gum and discovered that each piece could shed hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles. This revelation adds to growing concerns about the presence of microplastics in everyday items like chopping boards, clothing, and cleaning sponges, all of which contribute to human exposure.
Professor Sanjay Mohanty, the lead investigator and an engineering professor at UCLA, emphasized that the intent of the study is not to cause alarm. “Our goal is not to scare people. Scientists are still uncertain about whether microplastics pose a direct danger to human health,” he stated.
Despite the uncertainty, the findings highlight the ongoing need for further research into the potential effects of microplastics and their widespread presence in daily life.
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