With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements: 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 1, 2 and 3. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in con- sumer products around the world since about the 1950s. Statement 1 is correct: People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, us- ing products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Although PFOS use has been phased out, it can still be found in drinking water, groundwater, soil, and air. Statement 2 is correct: PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment, leading to long-term contamination. Statement 3 is correct: PFAS can accumulate in the bodies of animals, including humans, through persistent exposure. They tend to concentrate in organs like the liver and kidneys and bio- accumulate up the food chain 62

Practice more Environment PYQs

More UPSC Environment PYQs