Question map
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
The correct answer is option A because both statements are correct and Statement-II directly explains Statement-I.
The overwhelming majority of commercially available chewing gum in the UK contains plastic-based synthetic polymers, and discarded gums release microplastics into soil and water, posing ecological risks.[1] Chewing gum is a "significant but overlooked" source of microplastic ingestion and environmental pollution, with a single piece of plastic gum releasing in excess of 250,000 microplastic particles, and chewing gum residues persisting in the environment for 5 to 500 years.[2]
The overwhelming majority of commercially available chewing gum in the UK contains plastic-based synthetic polymers hidden within the ingredients under the term 'gum base'.[3] Many widely sold types of gum use ingredients like polyethylene â similar to the plastic used to make shopping bags â as part of their "gum base," and some gum makers also use ingredients such as polyvinyl[4] acetate, commonly used in glue, or styrene-butadiene rubber, similar to what's found in tires.[4]
The causal relationship is clear: the plastic content in gum base is precisely why chewing gum causes environmental pollution through microplastic release and persistence, making Statement-II a direct explanation of Statement-I.
Sources- [4] https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2025/05/chewing-gum-releasing-microplastics-your-mouth
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a 'Hidden Plastic' question testing applied environmental awareness rather than bookish knowledge. The strategy is to recognize that mass-produced, non-biodegradable consumer goods (like cheap gum) are almost invariably synthetic polymers. If it doesn't rot, it's likely plastic.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Are many commercially available chewing gums considered sources of environmental pollution?
- Statement 2: Do many commercially available chewing gums contain plastic (synthetic polymers) as their gum base?
- Statement 3: Is the plastic content of chewing-gum gum base the main explanation for chewing gum causing environmental pollution?
- States that an "overwhelming majority of commercially available chewing gum in the UK contains plastic-based synthetic polymers," linking many commercial gums to plastics.
- Explicitly notes discarded gums "release microplastics into soil and water, posing ecological risks," tying commercial gum composition to environmental pollution.
- Mentions long environmental persistence (5 to 500 years), supporting the pollution concern.
- Describes chewing gum as a "significant but overlooked" source of microplastic ingestion and environmental pollution.
- Provides a concrete measure of pollution potential: a single piece can "release in excess of 250,000 microplastic particles."
- Notes gum residues are "highly persistent in the environment" (5 to 500 years), reinforcing long-term pollution impact.
- Reports research finding that "the chewing process causes the release of microplastics and nanoplastics," indicating commercial chewing leads to microplastic release.
- Explicitly states "the environment is under threat from plastic gums" and that residues are "highly persistent in the environment," connecting gum composition to environmental harm.
Defines 'non-biodegradable pollutants' (e.g., plastics) as those not decomposed by microbes â establishes that persistent materials cause longâterm pollution.
A student could check whether common gum bases are synthetic/nonâbiodegradable polymers; if so, by analogy they may behave like listed nonâbiodegradables and persist as pollutants.
Describes urban solid waste and small discarded items (plastics, containers) as sources of land pollution and nuisance in cities.
Combine this with the observable fact that chewed gum is often discarded in urban areas to judge whether it contributes to solidâwaste pollution and litter problems.
Gives a straightforward classification of pollution media (air, water, land), framing where a material like discarded gum would be counted (land/urban pollution).
Use this classification to narrow investigation to land/urban waste studies and to look for reports of gum as a land/litter pollutant.
Notes that traditional chewing gum component 'chicle' is a natural, plantâderived material (sap of zapota), implying some gums can be biodegradable.
A student could contrast brands with natural chicle vs. those listing industrial gum bases to infer which are more likely biodegradable or persistent.
States that natural 'gums' (from acacia, etc.) are used in the candy industry, showing there exist natural adhesive/gum substances used in food.
Compare ingredient lists of commercial gums to see how many use such natural gums versus synthetic bases to estimate potential for biodegradability and pollution.
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