UPSC Prelims 2024 Question:

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 material.
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?

Explanation:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of thousands of chemicals used in hundreds of types of products. PFAS in the environment can enter the food supply through plants and animals grown, raised, or processed in contaminated areas. PFAS are used in cookware, food packaging, and food processing for their non-stick and grease, oil, and water-resistant properties. So, statement 1 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. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  
• The widespread use of PFAS and their persistence in the environment means that PFAS from past and current uses have resulted in increasing levels of contamination of the air, water, and soil.
  
  
• Accumulation of certain PFAS has also been shown through blood tests to occur in humans and animals. While the science surrounding the potential health effects of bioaccumulation is developing, exposure to some types of PFAS has been associated with serious health effects. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Waste Management