With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements :
- 1.PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.
- 2.PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
- 3.Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Show answer
Answer: D. PFAS, called 'forever chemicals', are used in non-stick pans, water-proof fabric and food packaging. Statement 1 is correct: they are widely found in drinking water, food and packaging. Statement 2 is correct: their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them very hard to break down. Statement 3 is correct: they build up in the bodies of animals and humans over time. So all three.
Watch for: Students expect one statement to be an exaggeration, but all three are the defining features of 'forever chemicals'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because Statement 3 is also correct; PFAS bioaccumulate.
- B. Wrong because Statement 1 is also correct; PFAS are widespread in water and food.
- C. Wrong because Statement 2 is also correct; PFAS persist in the environment.
Source to check: US Environmental Protection Agency, 'PFAS Explained' (epa.gov/pfas); WHO fact sheets on PFAS
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.