There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
- They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
- They can enter the food chains.
- They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 and 2 only
3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Statement 2 is correct. Nanoparticles can be taken up by organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) from contaminated environments and can then transfer through trophic levels, entering the food chain.
Statement 3 is correct. Many types of nanoparticles, particularly metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been shown to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals in biological systems. This can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, inflammation, and potentially other adverse health effects.