Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
- 1.Brakes of motor vehicles
- 2.Engines of motor vehicles
- 3.Microwave stoves within homes
- 4.Power plants
- 5.Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer: B. Research has found tiny magnetite particles from air pollution in human brains. They come mainly from combustion and friction: vehicle brakes, vehicle engines and power plants. Microwave ovens and telephone lines are not sources. So 1, 2 and 4.
Watch for: Microwaves and phone lines sound 'electromagnetic', but magnetite comes from burning and friction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because microwaves and telephone lines do not emit magnetite particles.
- C. Wrong because microwaves and telephone lines are not sources.
- D. Wrong because microwaves and telephone lines are not sources.
Source to check: Maher et al., 'Magnetite pollution nanoparticles in the human brain', PNAS (2016)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.