UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 16: Environment and Ecology
Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
- 1.They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- 2.They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Brominated flame retardants are added to foam furniture, mattresses, electronics and textiles to slow burning, and they raise two concerns. They are highly resistant to degradation, so they persist in the environment. They also accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and animals and build up along the food chain. Some are linked to hormone disruption and developmental effects. Both statements are correct.
- 1. They resist degradation and persist in the environment.
- 2. They accumulate in humans and animals.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: They resist degradation and persist in the environment.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: They accumulate in humans and animals.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Statement 2 is also true since they bioaccumulate.
- (b) Wrong. Statement 1 is also true since they resist breakdown.
- (c) Right. They are persistent and they accumulate in living organisms.
- (d) Wrong. Both statements describe real concerns.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.