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
Explanation
The correct answer is A, both statements are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Chewing gum pollutes because its gum base is largely made of synthetic plastic polymers that do not break down.
Gum was once made from chicle, a natural latex from the sapodilla tree. Most modern gums instead use a synthetic gum base of polymers such as polyvinyl acetate and polyisobutylene, the latter also used in tyre inner tubes. These materials are not biodegradable, so discarded gum sticks to pavements, is costly to remove and can stay in the environment for years, adding to plastic pollution. This is why some cities levy fines for spitting gum and Singapore has long restricted its sale.
B is wrong: Statement-II is the very reason for Statement-I, so it does explain it.
C is wrong: Statement-II is correct, as plastic polymers form the base of many gums.
D is wrong: Statement-I is correct, since discarded gum is a recognised form of litter and pollution.
Exam tip: chewing gum base = synthetic polymers (polyvinyl acetate, polyisobutylene); natural gum came from chicle.
Practice Questions
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