🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2014Sustainable Development

There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.2. They can enter the food chains.3. They can trigger the production of free radicals.Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 and 2 only
b3 only
c1 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3 UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 492
✓ Correct answer: d) 1, 2 and 3 UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 492
ExplanationNanoparticles are used in the manufacture of scratch proof eyeglasses, crack-resistant paints, anti-graffiti coatings for walls, transparent sunscreens, stain-repellent fabrics, and self-cleaning windows, and ceramic coatings for solar cells.Ad- ditionally, stronger, lighter, cleaner, and more intelligent surfaces and systems can be created with nanoparticles.Statement 1 is correct: A matter particle with dimension rang- ing from 1 to 100 nanometers is referred to as nanoparticle.Nanoparticles can accumulate in the environment and con- taminate water and soil.Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can also enter the food chain and cross cell membranes.Statement 3 is correct: Nanoparticles can trigger free radicals and may damage cells in organs like the liver, heart, or blood.Health Implications Of Nanoparticles:Nanoparticles enhance drug delivery and target-specific treatment.However, some nanoparticles may reduce a drug’s efficacy or introduce toxicity risks to non-target orgAns:Nanoparticles can accumulate in the liver and spleen, potentially altering liver function an

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