UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

  1. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
  2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
  3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
  4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

Answer

Correct Answer

They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

Explanation

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles used in cosmetics and cleaning products. They are not filtered out by wastewater treatment, enter water bodies, and harm marine life and ecosystems (they can also absorb toxins and enter the food chain).

Topics: environment and ecology, microbeads, plastic pollution, pollution