Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
- Automobile exhaust
- Tobacco smoke
- Wood burning
- Using varnished wooden furniture
- Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- Benzene is a liquid chemical that is colorless or light yellow at room temperature.
- It is highly flammable and only slightly soluble in water, meaning it floats on top of it.
- Benzene is both naturally occurring and produced by human activities. It is found in crude oil and is a by-product of oil-refining processes.
- Exposure to benzene is linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers and acute myelogenous leukaemia.
- Benzene is used to make many other chemicals, such as plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers, dyes, drugs, and pesticides.
- It is also used in paints, glues, and furniture wax.
- Benzene can contaminate surface waters and soil through rain due to its solubility in water.
- Chronic exposure to benzene can cause aplastic anaemia, a condition where both red and white blood cell production is reduced.
- Benzene is a by-product of tobacco combustion in cigarettes and is also found in wood smoke and automobile exhaust.
