In most of the children’s toys, a toxic chemical remains present. In this respect, which among the following statements is/are correct?
- 1. The name of the toxic element is phthalates which are esters of phthalic acid.
- 2. They are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility and longevity.
- 3. They are easily released into environment because there is no covalent bond between the phthalates and plastics in which they are mixed.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
Statement 2: Phthalates are primarily used as plasticizers, substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: Phthalates are not covalently bonded to the plastic polymer matrix; they are mixed into the plastic. This allows them to leach out or be released into the environment (including into a child’s mouth if the toy is chewed). This statement is also correct.
However, the provided options A, B, C, D only offer combinations involving statements 1 and 2. Evaluating only statements 1 and 2 against these options: Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 2 is correct. Therefore, “Both 1 and 2” is the correct option among the choices given.