Consider the following statements:Statement I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2024 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

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To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2024 question covers Water Pollution – Sources, Eutrophication & Treatment topic.

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This UPSC Prelims 2024 Environment & Ecology question has a medium difficulty level.

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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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: A — Both Statements are correct and Statement II explains Statement IStep-by-step Solution:Statement I — Chewing gums are a source of environmental pollution: This is correct. Discarded chewing gum is a significant source of plastic pollution. Chewing gum sticks to pavements, public seating, and other surfaces — it is extremely difficult to clean and degrades very slowly in the environment. Globally, it generates over 105 tonnes of plastic-like waste annually. It is the second most littered item in the world after cigarette butts. ✓Statement II — Chewing gums contain plastic as gum base: This is correct. Modern commercial chewing gum is composed of: Gum base (the insoluble, non-digestible component — typically containing synthetic polymers like polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which is used in making glues and tyre components); Fillers (calcium carbonate, talc); Softeners (vegetable oils, glycerol); Emulsifiers; Sweeteners and flavourings. The gum base polymers (PVA and others) are essentially plastic compounds — they are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment for very long periods. Natural chicle (from Manilkara zapota tree) was traditionally used as gum base but is now rare in commercial gums. ✓Does Statement II explain Statement I? Yes — the reason chewing gum causes environmental pollution (Statement I) is precisely because its gum base contains non-biodegradable plastic polymers like PVA (Statement II), which persist in soil and on surfaces for decades.Why other options are incorrect:Option B: Incorrect. Statement II does directly explain Statement I — the plastic gum base is the mechanism of environmental pollution.Option C: Incorrect. Both statements are factually correct.Option D: Incorrect. Statement I is also correct — chewing gum is a recognised pollutant.Key Concept: Chewing gum and plastic pollution: Gum base polymers: Polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyethylene, polyisobutylene — all synthetic non-biodegradable polymers. Environmental impact: Second most littered item globally; costs millions in pavement cleaning annually (e.g., UK spends ~£56 million/year cleaning gum litter); Chewing gum sticks to surfaces due to its hydrophobic nature (repels water). Solutions: Biodegradable gum bases from chicle, jelutong, or bioplastics; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks; India's Gudgum startup offers biodegradable alternatives. Single-use plastics context: India banned several single-use plastics from 1 July 2022; global negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty (INC process) are ongoing. Microplastics from gum: When gum is degraded, microplastics can contaminate soil and water; marine ecosystems particularly at risk.

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?

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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?

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