An Australian sustainability expert has encouraged others to think twice before chewing gum after revealing it contains a harmful ingredient.
Lottie Dalziel, from Banish AuHe warned that polyvinyl acetate (plastic) is a key ingredient in some chewing gum and helps it stick together.
“You’ll never want to chew gum again after watching this video,” he said in a now-viral clip.
Hundreds of people were horrified by this little-known information and wondered why it is not taught in schools.
“Have you ever wondered what makes your gum so chewy? Well, among the many ingredients that surprise consumers in modern chewing gum, such as petroleum glycerin, polyethylene and ceric acid, are plastics and polymers such as latex and polyvinyl acetate,” Lottie said.
He said that if you chew gum you are essentially “chewing plastic covered in flavors and colors.”
“This is what gives gum that sticky, stretchy texture that allows you to chew it for hours or even forever,” Lottie continued.
‘More than 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year from chewing gum alone, which is equivalent to 374 trillion pieces of chewing gum.’
Lottie Dalziel of Banish Au warned that polyvinyl acetate (plastic) is a key ingredient in chewing gum and helps it stick.
Lottie added that it is worth reconsidering the idea of chewing gum and instead opting for mints, or nothing at all.
“That old wives’ tale about not swallowing gum because it will stick in your lungs for seven years may be true,” the caption read.
According to the International Chewing Gum AssociationThe “gum base” ingredient is what gives gum its “chewyness.” It is made from a combination of food-grade polymers, waxes, and softeners that create the desired texture.
The short video has since been viewed more than 62,000 times and many couldn’t believe they hadn’t known the secret before.
“Wow! I had no idea about this! Thanks for sharing. I need to change my ways soon,” wrote one.
Lottie added that it is worth reconsidering the idea of chewing gum and instead opting for mints, or nothing at all.
“This should be taught in schools, right?!” said another.
A third added: “Wow! I chew gum after every meal and coffee.”
Someone else wrote: “How did we get to the point where it’s legal to do this, sell it and make a profit? It’s so corrupt.”
“Plastic has been confirmed to be present in salt, fish, water, tampons, makeup… we absorb it or ingest it, whether we like it or not. It’s not good, but that’s the way it is,” added another.