2005 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2005 · General Studies
Question 21: Science and Technology
Pneumoconiosis afflicts the workers who work mainly in
aTanneries
bCoal mining industry
cDistilleries
dGlass industry
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases caused by breathing in mineral dust over years. Coal dust causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis, called black lung, so coal miners are the classic sufferers. Related diseases are silicosis from silica dust (quarrying, sandblasting) and asbestosis from asbestos fibres. Tanneries and distilleries carry chemical and infection risks instead.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Tannery workers face chemical and skin hazards, not pneumoconiosis.
- (b) Correct: coal dust causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis, black lung.
- (c) Distillery workers face alcohol and heat hazards.
- (d) Glass workers can get silicosis, a related dust disease, but pneumoconiosis is the classic coal-miner disease.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2005, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.