UPSC Prelims 2024 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?

Explanation:

• Chewing gum is essentially plastic infused with flavours and colourings. It is non-digestible and water-insoluble, allowing you to chew it continuously without it breaking down. This indestructible quality comes from the gum base, the specific ingredients of which are often kept secret. Generally, the gum base includes:
  
  
• Fillers: Substances like calcium carbonate or magnesium silicate (talc) add texture and bulk. Talc is used in gums with acidic flavours to prevent reactions that would produce carbon dioxide gas, which would occur if calcium carbonate were used.
  
  
• Commercially, chewing gum is produced based on a synthetic gum base, which is non-biodegradable and remains in the environment for a long time. Accordingly, chewing gum residue can be considered as a dangerous environmental pollutant.
  
  
• Chewing gums often use plastic in their base, which doesn't break down easily. When people throw gum on the ground, it becomes litter which harms the environment because the plastic in it doesn't decompose.
  
  

So, both Statement–I and Statement–II are correct and Statement–II is the correct explanation for Statement–I.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Miscellaneous(env)