📘 Q.3 IAS Prelims 2024 — Environment & Ecology (Plastic Pollution | Chewing Gum)🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📌 The 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?
(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
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
🔍 Classroom Explanation:
- Statement-I is correct
Discarded chewing gum is a persistent urban pollutant. It sticks to pavements, public transport, benches, and roads, is extremely difficult to remove, and remains in the environment for years. - Statement-II is correct
Most modern chewing gums use plastic-based polymers as their gum base.
Commonly used polymers include:- Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)
- Synthetic rubbers and elastomers
👉 Because chewing gum contains plastic, it does not decompose naturally and therefore directly causes environmental pollution.
✔️ Hence, Statement-II correctly explains Statement-I.
🧠 Curiosity Raiser:
Did you know?
🚯 A single piece of chewing gum can take decades to break down, behaving more like plastic waste than food waste.
📚 Enrich Notes (Prelims Edge):
- Chewing gum is now increasingly classified as “microplastic pollution”
- Several cities spend millions annually on gum removal from public spaces
- Some countries are experimenting with plant-based biodegradable gum alternatives
🕊️ IAS Monk Whisper:
“Pollution is not always loud smoke or flowing sludge — sometimes it sticks silently under our shoes.”