the evolution of a prairie boy residing in BC...

the decomposition of gum debate

Monday, November 14, 2005

posted by c-haynes at 8:11 p.m.

Did you know that North American kids spend approximately half a billion dollars on bubble gum every year?

Up until WWII, chewing gum was made of a substance called chicle mixed with
flavorings. Chicle is a latex sap that comes from the sapodilla tree (native to
Central America). In other words, chicle is a form of rubber. Just like rubber
bands don't dissolve when you chew them, neither does chicle. Chicle is a good
bit softer than rubber bands and happens to soften more when it gets warm in
your mouth. If you freeze chicle with ice, it gets very stiff -- chicle hardens
and softens over a pretty narrow temperature range.

After WWII, chemists
learned how to make artificial gum bases to replace chicle. These gum bases are
essentially synthetic rubbers that have the same temperature profile as chicle.

Gum bases (either natural or artificial) are mixed with sugar and other
flavorings to make chewing gum. When you chew it, the rubber releases these
flavorings into your mouth.

Have you ever wondered how long it takes for gum to decompose?

How many debates have you had to partake in by an offended aquantance after you've spat that hardened flavourless morsal onto the ground?

I for one have had enough of the comments and am out to find out how long it actually takes for canada's favorite mouth freshoner to disintagrate. So it is day 23 of my first trial at determining how long it takes for disposed of gum to decompose, and so far I can't really see much change. I have to say I'm a bit dissapointed with this first trial as I half expected the rate of compost to be quicker than this. 23 days ago I took a used piece of dentine ice gum that was chewed until the flavour was removed and placed it in a highly secured quarentined area under the entrance-way of our suite. This area was chosen to represent the average concrete sidewalk with exposure to some sun and rain. I'm expecting this to be a worse case senario as it isn't fully exposed to the elements and is on concrete. I have noticed that the gum's outter exterior has darkened in color and become somewhat hardened. I will continue to monitor this and keep you updated, as well I intend to start some other gum experiments to get to the bottom of this debate.