UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I · Q75 of 98 General Science easy

‘Triclosan’, considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

  1. (a) Food preservatives
  2. (b) Fruit-ripening substances
  3. (c) Reused plastic containers
  4. (d) Toiletries ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent added to toiletries — toothpastes, soaps, hand sanitisers, deodorants and mouthwashes — option (d).

• Long-term high exposure is linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance and harm to aquatic life, so the US FDA banned it from consumer antiseptic washes in 2016.

• It is not a food preservative (a), a ripening agent like ethylene or calcium carbide (b), or a plastic additive like BPA (c).

• Hence option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Food preservatives
Triclosan is not used as a food preservative.
(b) Fruit-ripening substances
Fruit ripening uses ethylene/calcium carbide, not triclosan.
(c) Reused plastic containers
Plastic-container concerns involve BPA, not triclosan.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

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