Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?1. Smelting units2. Pens and pencils3. Paints4. Hair oils and cosmeticsSelect the correct answer using the codes given below:
✓ Correct answer: b) 1 and 3 only
ExplanationLead poisoning is a toxic condition caused by the accumulation of lead in the body, typically through exposure to contaminated air, water, soil, or consumer products.It affects multiple organ systems, particularly the nervous system, and can lead to severe health issues such as cognitive impairment, developmental delays, and organ damage.Option 1 and 3 are correct: Even after the stricter regulations, major sources of lead pollution include mining, smelting, manufacturing, and recycling, with the production of lead- acid batteries for automobiles accounting for over three- quarters of global lead usage.Other common sources of lead poisoning include lead- based paint, contaminated soil, children’s toys and jewelry, drinking water from lead pipes, workplace and hobby hazards (such as mining and smelting), lead-glazed ceramics, pottery, leaded crystal, imported candy, and mini blinds.Option 2 and 4 are incorrect:Pens and pencils are incorrect as modern pencils mostly contain graphite, not lead, and pens use regulated ink formulations.Hair oils and cosmetics are incorrect
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