Chewing Gum & Plastic Pollution
Question
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?
Options
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Both statements are correct and related. Modern chewing gums frequently use synthetic polymers (like polyvinyl acetate)—which are forms of plastic—as their gum base. Because this plastic is non-biodegradable, discarded chewing gum persists in the environment, directly explaining why it is a notable source of micro-plastic pollution.
Answer: (a).
Question details
Year
2024
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q22
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Pollution & Waste
Type
Assertion-Reason
Difficulty
Easy
Nature
Current-affairs-linked
Source hint
Plastic Waste Management Rules / Synthetic Polymer Gum Pollution 2023
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