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 ?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II explains Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer: A

Explanation

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Modern chewing gums often contain synthetic polymers, essentially plastics, as their gum base (Statement II). These plastic components are not biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment for a very long time after being discarded. This non-biodegradable nature makes discarded chewing gum a significant source of environmental pollution, contributing to plastic waste in public spaces and ecosystems (Statement I). The presence of plastic directly explains why chewing gum is an environmental pollutant. This question highlights an often-overlooked aspect of plastic pollution, relevant for the Environment & Ecology section.