Consider the following statements regarding Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs):
1. They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their extreme resistance to environmental degradation.
2. Himalayan glaciers have higher levels of PFAAs than any other glaciers worldwide due to long-range atmospheric transport.
3. They can originate from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and oceanic activity.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

Consider the following statements regarding Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs):
1. They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their extreme resistance to environmental degradation.
2. Himalayan glaciers have higher levels of PFAAs than any other glaciers worldwide due to long-range atmospheric transport.
3. They can originate from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and oceanic activity.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) used in various industrial and consumer applications. They are commonly found in water- and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, leather, upholstery, and carpets, as well as oil-resistant coatings for food-contact paper products. Additionally, PFAAs are used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles, firefighting foams, electroplating, and electronics.

Statement 1 is correct: They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their high chemical stability and resistance to degradation in the environment.

Statement 2 is correct: The Studies indicate that Himalayan glaciers may have higher levels of PFAAs than other glaciers worldwide, likely due to long-range transport of pollutants from industrial regions.

Statement 3 is not correct: PFAAs are entirely man-made and do not originate from natural sources like volcanoes or oceanic activity.

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs): 1. They are known as "forever chemicals" due to their extreme resistance to environmental degradation. 2. Himalayan glaciers have higher levels of PFAAs than any other glaciers worldwide due to long-range atmospheric transport. 3. They can originate from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and oceanic activity. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3