🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2021Sustainable Development

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodeg- enerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?1. Brakes of motor vehicles2. Engines of motor vehicles3. Microwave stoves within homes4. Power plants5. Telephone linesSelect the correct answer using the code given below.

a1, 2, 3 and 5 only
b1, 2 and 4 only
c3, 4 and 5 only
d1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
✓ Correct answer: b) 1, 2 and 4 only
ExplanationMagnetite particles are a highly magnetic mineral form of iron and are known to be present in air pollution.Expo- sure to airborne particulate matter (PM) is associated with pul- monary, cardiovascular and neurological problems.Option 1 is correct: Vehicle brake systems are the major source of airborne magnetite at the roadside.Option 2 is correct: Petrol and diesel-engine exhaust are also a source of airborne magnetite.Option 4 is correct: Other sources of Magnetite pollution in- clude Power plants.Options 3 and 5 are incorrect: Household microwave stoves and telephone lines not are established as sources of airborne magnetite particles.Other sources of Magnetite pollution include microwave Stoves within homes, As per WHO, Telephone lines produce low frequency, low energy electromagnetic fields which are the potential source of magne- tite particles.SUPER HINT For S5, Had telephone lines been a real source of neuro- degenerative magnetite particles, the effects would have surfaced in public health long ago — given our lifelong proximity.Since no such pattern is observed, the

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