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) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Explanation:

Option (a): Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
- Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. This is correct because chewing gum contributes significantly to plastic pollution, with an estimated 100,000 tonnes of plastic pollution annually due to improper disposal of gum .
- Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. This is also correct as most modern chewing gums are made from synthetic polymers, which are essentially plastics .
- Explanation: Statement-II explains Statement-I because the presence of plastic in the gum base makes chewing gum non-biodegradable, leading to long-lasting environmental pollution when improperly disposed of .
Option (b): Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- This option is incorrect because Statement-II directly explains why chewing gums are a source of environmental pollution.
Option (c): Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- This option is incorrect because Statement-II is correct; many chewing gums do contain plastic as a gum base .
Option (d): Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
- This option is incorrect because Statement-I is correct; chewing gums are indeed a source of environmental pollution .

Learn More

Environmental Impact of Chewing Gum:
- Plastic Pollution: Chewing gum contributes to plastic pollution as it is made from synthetic polymers that do not biodegrade. An estimated 100,000 tonnes of plastic pollution is generated annually from chewing gum .
- Microplastics: As gum breaks down, it forms microplastics that persist in the environment, contaminating soil and waterways, and entering the food chain, causing ecological damage .
- Economic Costs: The cleanup of gum litter is costly. For example, the UK spends millions annually to remove gum from streets .
Composition of Chewing Gum:
- Gum Base: The gum base is a non-nutritive, non-digestible, water-insoluble substance that provides the chewiness of gum. It often contains synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are types of plastic.
- Ingredients: Besides the gum base, chewing gum contains sweeteners, flavors, and softeners. The exact composition is often a trade secret.
Health and Environmental Concerns:
- Health Issues: Chewing gum can cause gastrointestinal issues, tooth decay, and muscle dysfunction if consumed excessively.
- Wildlife Harm: Microplastics from gum can be ingested by wildlife, causing internal injuries and digestive problems, and potentially leading to death.
Solutions and Alternatives:
- Biodegradable Gum: Researchers are working on developing biodegradable gum that retains the pleasure of chewing while being environmentally friendly .
- Regulation and Awareness: Increased regulation and public awareness about the environmental impact of chewing gum can help reduce gum littering .