Consider the following statements: Statement-I : Many chewing gums fou

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
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
Statement-I is correct. Discarded chewing gum is a significant source of litter and environmental pollution. It is sticky, difficult to remove from surfaces like pavements, and takes a very long time to degrade. Statement-II is correct. The gum base used in most modern chewing gums is made of synthetic polymers, which are essentially types of plastic (e.g., polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene). These synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable or degrade extremely slowly. The fact that chewing gum contains non-biodegradable plastic explains why it persists in the environment when discarded and is considered a pollutant. Therefore, Statement-II provides the reason for Statement-I.
– Chewing gum litter is a persistent environmental problem.
– Modern chewing gum bases are often made of synthetic polymers (plastics).
– Plastic components contribute to the non-biodegradability of discarded gum.
Traditional chewing gums were made from natural latexes like chicle. However, since the mid-20th century, synthetic alternatives have become predominant due to cost and consistency. The plastic nature of the gum base is the primary reason for the environmental concerns associated with its disposal.
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