Prelims 2014 · archive
EasyThere is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
- 1.They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
- 2.They can enter the food chains.
- 3.They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
All three statements describe recognised risks of engineered nanoparticles. Once released, they can reach and persist in water and soil. They can enter food chains and may bioaccumulate in some species. Their highly reactive surfaces can generate free radicals and induce oxidative stress in cells.
- ✓ 1. Nanoparticles released during the use or disposal of products end up in the environment, including water and soil. Particles that do not dissolve or break down can accumulate there.
- ✓ 2. Engineered nanomaterials can be incorporated into the food chain, and may bioaccumulate in some species. That is why their food-chain entry needs to be examined through monitoring.
- ✓ 3. Nanoparticles are highly reactive. They can generate free radicals on their surface and induce oxidative stress, which can contribute to inflammation.
- ✗ (b) This option accepts only the free-radical risk. It ignores accumulation in water and soil and entry into food chains.
- ✗ (a) This option leaves out free-radical generation and oxidative stress, a key way nanoparticles can harm living cells.
Remember · Engineered nanoparticles raise three concerns: accumulation in water and soil, entry into food chains, and free-radical-driven oxidative stress in cells.
Sources
- FAO/WHO Expert Meeting report: Application of nanotechnologies in the food and agriculture sectors – food safety implications ↗ “Incorporation of ENM into the food chain and potential bioaccumulation in some species will need to be examined through monitoring or other studies.”
- European Commission SCENIHR opinion on risk assessment of products of nanotechnologies ↗ “the generation of free radicals on the surface due to high reactivity of nanoparticles, and the induction of oxidative stress, might contribute to the induction of inflammation”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·