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?

Statement-I is correct. Many chewing gums are indeed considered a source of environmental pollution. Improper disposal of chewing gum leads to sticky waste on pavements, public spaces, and natural environments. Its persistence and non-biodegradable nature contribute to litter and can be costly to remove. Recent research highlights that chewing gum can also be a source of microplastic pollution. Statement-II is correct. The gum base in most modern chewing gums is made from synthetic polymers, which are essentially plastics. These polymers are derived from petroleum and are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally in the environment. This plastic content is precisely why chewing gum persists as litter and contributes to environmental pollution, especially microplastic pollution. Therefore, Statement-II directly explains why Statement-I is true. The plastic content in chewing gum's gum base is the primary reason it is a source of environmental pollution.