Perceptions and knowledge of chewing gum’s health and environmental impacts: A survey-based study

Sharvi Gandhi

Chewing Gum, Microplastics, Polyvinyl acetate, Consumer awareness, Health concerns

Chewing gum is a popular product worldwide, yet the synthetic polymers used in most commercial gum bases are non-biodegradable and pose both environmental and health risks. Chewing gum can release hundreds of microplastics per gram, which accumulate in the ecosystem as well as inside the human body. Despite these risks, public understanding of gum’s plastic composition and associated consequences remains limited, especially among young adults, who represent a significant consumer demographic. This study investigates consumer habits, awareness, and attitudes toward chewing gum as well as its environmental and health impacts. An online survey targeting individuals aged 18-30 assessed chewing frequency, motivations, knowledge of synthetic ingredients, disposal practices, and opinions on warning labels or eco-friendly alternatives. The results highlight significant gaps in product knowledge, indicating that 56% of participants were unaware of gum’s plastic content, and 66% favored clearer labeling or regulatory action on this matter. A multitude of respondents reported concern. Additionally, 75% supported warning labels regarding potential health risks on gum packaging. The findings show the need for targeted public education, labeling, and policy initiatives to promote sustainable consumption and informed decision-making among consumers.

Published Paper   E-Certificate

"Perceptions and knowledge of chewing gum’s health and environmental impacts: A survey-based study", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.b531-b537, September-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509165.pdf

Volume 10 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : b531-b537

Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_304981

Published Paper Id: IJSDR2509165

Downloads: 00044

Research Area: Science All

Country: Cary, North Carolina, United States

Published Paper PDF: https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509165

Published Paper URL: https://ijsdr.org/viewpaperforall?paper=IJSDR2509165

ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016

An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator

Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License and The Open Definition