Presence, use, and safety of nanoparticles
Question
Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1.
Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
- 2.
Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
- 3.
Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Options
1 only
3 only
1 and 2
2 and 3
Explanation
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Metallic oxide nanoparticles (like Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide) are heavily used in cosmetics (sunscreen) for UV protection, and synthetic nanoparticles accumulating in the environment pose severe, scientifically documented toxicity risks to humans. Statement 1 is incorrect; nanoparticles naturally exist in abundance (e.g., volcanic ash, sea spray, fine sand).
Answer: (d).
Question details
Year
2022
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q98
Subject
Science & Technology
Sub-topic
Materials & Nanotechnology
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Nanomaterial Environmental Toxicology / Metallic Oxide Cosmetic Composites
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