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 :
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Why the answer is (a)
• Benzene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon and a known human carcinogen (it causes leukaemia).
• The main sources of exposure named by WHO and health agencies are automobile exhaust and petrol vapour (1), tobacco smoke (2) and the burning of wood and other biomass (3).
• Items 4 and 5 are not accepted: varnished wooden furniture and polyurethane products are not recognised sources of benzene exposure (polyurethane is made from isocyanates and polyols, not benzene).
• UPSC's official answer key gives (a).
• Hence 1, 2 and 3 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 4 only
- Vehicle exhaust and wood burning are left out, and item 4 is not accepted.
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- Tobacco smoke is left out, and item 4 is not accepted.
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
- Items 4 and 5 are not accepted by the official key.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.