UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 4 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Plastic in Everyday Items

Consider the following:

I. Cigarette butts
II. Eyeglass lenses
III. Car tyres

How many of them contain plastic?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All the three
  4. None
Show answer

Answer: C. All the three

Verdict

All three contain plastic → Option (c).

Analysis

I. Cigarette butts – CONTAIN PLASTIC: Cigarette butts are a persistent form of toxic plastic pollution. Tobacco product waste also contains over 7000 toxic chemicals. Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate and therefore also contribute significantly to plastic pollution.

II. Eyeglass lenses – CONTAIN PLASTIC: Many eyeglass lenses are made of plastic. CR-39, also known as Columbia resin #39, is a common plastic material used in lenses. Other plastics like polycarbonate and Trivex are also used.

III. Car tyres – CONTAIN PLASTIC: Tyre particles are a significant but often-overlooked contributor to microplastic pollution. They account for 28% of microplastics entering the environment globally.

More questions on Pollution

All 40 questions on Pollution →

← Full 2025 question paper · All Environment and Ecology questions