I can say that I've tried some of those ancient pieces of gum, and while they did not make me sick at all, they also didn't get anywhere close to what we remember the gum experience being like. They broke into tiny bits, but never congealed into a wad of gum no matter how much you chewed them. That big, sugary rush you used to get when you started chewing was gone, and you only got the faintest hint of any sweetness or even gum-like taste. It was probably closer to chewing a bit of sheet rock or plaster. I can say I did it, but it wasn't worth the trouble. Not pleasurable at all! Definitely toss them!