Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
This statement is correct. Chewing gum that is improperly disposed of can contribute to litter and environmental pollution. It often sticks to surfaces, making it difficult to remove and clean up.
Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
This statement is also correct. Many modern chewing gums use synthetic materials, including polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate (types of plastic), as their gum base.
The relationship between the statements:
Statement-II explains Statement-I because the presence of plastic in chewing gum is a key reason why it’s considered an environmental pollutant. Plastic-based gum doesn’t biodegrade easily, which means:
1. It persists in the environment for a long time.
2. It can break down into microplastics, which can enter water systems and food chains.
3. It’s difficult to remove from surfaces, leading to long-lasting litter.
Therefore, the plastic content in chewing gum (Statement-II) directly explains why it’s considered a source of environmental pollution (Statement-I).