PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Question
With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 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.
Options
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All three statements are correct. PFAS are famously known as "forever chemicals" because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from degrading easily in the environment. Because they do not break down, they are widespread in everyday items (like non-stick packaging) and progressively bioaccumulate in the blood and organs of animals and humans.
Answer: (d).
Question details
Year
2024
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q17
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Pollution & Waste
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Current-affairs-linked
Source hint
UNEP Persistent Organic Pollutants Report / PFAS Regulations 2023
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