Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Wood burning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
According to the Official UPSC Answer Key (Series A), the correct answer is Option A (1, 2 and 3 only).
– 1. Automobile exhaust (Correct): Incomplete combustion of petrol and diesel fuels, along with evaporative fuel emissions, is a major recognized outdoor contributor to airborne benzene pollution.
– 2. Tobacco smoke (Correct): Active cigarette smoking and secondhand tobacco smoke are among the leading primary indoor sources of direct human exposure to benzene.
– 3. Wood burning (Correct): Incomplete combustion of biomass and residential wood burning in stoves or fireplaces releases significant quantities of aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene.
– 4 & 5. Varnished furniture and polyurethane products (Incorrect as per UPSC): While synthetic finishes and polyurethane foams off-gas various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and isocyanates, UPSC did not consider them primary sources for direct benzene pollution compared to combustion sources.
Hence, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct — Option A.