Question

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment?

  1. 1. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
  2. 2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
  3. 3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
  4. 4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

Detailed Solution

Explanation: 

  • Microbeads are small, solid, manufactured plastic particles that are less than 5mm in diameter. These particles do not degrade or dissolve in water and are not captured by most wastewater treatment systems also. So, ultimately it drains into the oceans.

  • These tiny plastics persist in the environment and have a damaging effect on marine life.

  • Microbeads can be found in certain household products, including sunscreen, facial cleansers, body wash, and cosmetics.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Pollution

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