UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 70 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Microbeads Pollution

Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

  1. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
  2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
  3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
  4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Show answer

Answer: A. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

Verdict

Correct answer: They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems → Option (a).

Analysis

Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension. They are most frequently made of polyethylene but can be of other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene.

Microbeads, small pellets of plastic, extensively used in personal care products such as shampoo, baby lotion and face cream are considered toxic to marine life, are being banned internationally.

The concern about microbeads is primarily that they are considered harmful to marine ecosystems. They enter water bodies and are ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain.

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