Previous Year 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?
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
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Many conventional chewing gums available in the market use an artificial or synthetic gum base.
This gum base may contain synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene and polyisobutylene.
These polymers are plastics or plastic-like substances and do not biodegrade easily.
Therefore, Statement II concerning the presence of plastic as a gum base in many chewing gums is correct.
Gum discarded on roads, pavements, public places or in natural areas can persist for a long period.
Chewing gum adheres to surfaces and may collect dust, fine particles and other pollutants.
Its removal from public surfaces is difficult and expensive.
Over time, physical fragmentation may disperse its small polymer particles into the environment.
Thus, the plastic present in the gum base makes chewing gum a source of environmental litter and pollution.
Therefore, Statement I is also correct, and Statement II explains it.
The question refers to ‘many’ chewing gums; it does not mean that every type of gum contains synthetic plastic.
Some products may use natural chicle or biodegradable gum bases.
Proper waste disposal, natural gum bases and biodegradable alternatives can reduce its environmental impact.