Here is Question No. 30 a part of our series on UPSC Prelims 2019
Q30. Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Answer: A
- Microbeads are small, solid, manufactured plastic particles that are less than 5mm in diameter and do not degrade or dissolve in water. They may be added to a range of products, including rinse-off cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. Microbeads are used in these products for a variety of purposes. This includes an exfoliant, a bulking agent, to prolong shelf life,or for the controlled release of active ingredients. Microbeads are not captured by most wastewater treatment systems. If washed down drains after use,they can end up in our rivers, lakes and oceans. These tiny plastics persist in the environment and have a damaging effect on marine life, the environment and human health.
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