UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 48: Environment and Ecology
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ?
- 1.Automobile exhaust
- 2.Tobacco smoke
- 3.Wood burning
- 4.Using varnished wooden furniture
- 5.Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Benzene exposure comes mainly from vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke and the burning of wood and other biomass, along with industrial emissions and fuel stations. UPSC accepts items 1, 2 and 3. It does not count varnished furniture or polyurethane products, which are linked chiefly to other volatile compounds.
- 1. Automobile exhaust is a major source of benzene.
- 2. Tobacco smoke contains benzene.
- 3. Burning wood releases benzene.
- 4. Not counted by UPSC as a benzene source.
- 5. Not counted by UPSC as a benzene source.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 4 is not correct, (b), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 4.
What you needed to know: Not counted by UPSC as a benzene source.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 2, 3 or 5.
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) Right: exhaust, tobacco smoke and wood burning.
- (b) Wrong: leaves out vehicle exhaust and wood burning, which are sources.
- (c) Wrong: includes varnished furniture and leaves out tobacco smoke, a major source.
- (d) Wrong: includes items 4 and 5, which UPSC does not count.
Worth knowing: Some paints, varnishes and glues can release benzene, so excluding items 4 and 5 is debatable.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.