Question 58 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Environme nt & Ecology

Question

Consider the following:
1. Cigarette butts
2. Eyeglass lenses
3. Car tyres
How many of them contain plastic?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. All three

Strategy: Identify whether each listed item contains plastic by drawing on practical knowledge and environmental science awareness. Cigarette butts contain filters made of cellulose acetate (a plastic). Most modern eyeglass lenses are manufactured from plastics like polycarbonate or CR-39, rather than glass. Car tyres use synthetic polymers (plastics) such as styrene-butadiene rubber. Each item can confidently be associated with plastic content, leading to the selection of 'All three.'

Key Info: Cigarette butts primarily contain filters made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that is resistant to biodegradation and a major source of microplastic pollution globally. Cigarette filters were originally introduced to reduce the inhalation of tar and nicotine, but their plastic content means they persist in the environment for years. Eyeglass lenses today are predominantly made from plastic materials. CR-39 (Columbia resin #39) and polycarbonate are among the most common plastics used, replacing heavier and more shatter-prone glass in everyday optical products. These plastics provide impact resistance, lightness, and enhanced safety for the wearer. Car tyres are composite products; although they contain natural rubber, a significant and essential component is synthetic rubber derived from petrochemicals, especially styrene-butadiene rubber and other polymers. These synthetics are classified as plastics and impart specific properties like durability, flexibility, and grip. Tyre wear is a major source of microplastics, contributing a substantial proportion of microplastics entering terrestrial and aquatic environments.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None

Consider the following: Cigarette butts Eyeglass lenses Car tyres How many of them contain plastic?

Consider the following:

Cigarette butts

Eyeglass lenses

Car tyres

How many of them contain plastic?