UPSC Prelims 2024 Q22: Environment & Ecology – Pollution & Waste Management
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
Answer: (a) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II explains Statement - I
Explanation
Chewing gum as a pollutant
| Point | Fact |
|---|---|
| Gum base | Modern gums use synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate and polyisobutylene — the same family as plastics and rubber |
| Natural gum | Older gums used chicle, a natural latex from the sapodilla tree |
| Biodegradability | Synthetic gum base does not biodegrade; it can stick to pavements for years |
| Scale | Discarded gum is a major form of street litter worldwide |
| Cost | Cities spend heavily on cleaning gum from pavements |
Statement I — correct. Discarded gum is a recognised source of litter and microplastic-type pollution.
Statement II — correct, and it explains I. Gum is a pollutant because its base is made of plastic-like polymers that do not break down.
Answer: (a) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II explains Statement - I.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Gum pollutes because its plastic gum base (polyvinyl acetate, polyisobutylene) does not biodegrade.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II is not a separate fact; the plastic base is the reason gum pollutes.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement II is true; most commercial gum bases are synthetic polymers.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement I is true; discarded gum is widely treated as non-biodegradable litter.
Key point
Most chewing gum has a synthetic polymer (plastic) base, so discarded gum is non-biodegradable litter.
Remember
Chewing gum pollutes because its gum base is plastic.
Common mistakes
- Assuming gum is natural and harmless; natural chicle has largely been replaced by synthetic polymers.
- Choosing option (b) without asking whether the plastic base is the cause of the pollution.
- Not knowing that gum base appears on labels only as 'gum base', hiding its plastic content.
Exam tip
In I/II questions, put 'because' between them. 'Gum pollutes because it contains plastic' reads true, so II explains I.
Sources
- UNEP — Single-use plastics: a roadmap for sustainability (2018)
- Down To Earth — Chewing gum and plastic pollution