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 Prelims 2020)

Question

1. Automobile exhaust ✅: The largest environmental source of benzene due to the combustion of gasoline.
2. Tobacco smoke ✅: A major source of indoor benzene exposure for both active and passive smokers.
3. Wood burning ✅: Releases benzene directly into the air through the process of incomplete combustion.
4. Varnished wooden furniture ❌: While varnishes release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), benzene is often not a major component of modern varnish emissions. Any small amount released typically dissipates quickly after the finish has cured, making it a negligible long-term pollution factor.
5. Polyurethane products ❌: Benzene is used as a chemical intermediate to make other chemicals for polyurethane, but it is not usually released by the final consumer product itself. Emissions from polyurethane are more commonly associated with other chemicals like isocyanates rather than benzene.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3 only

1. Automobile exhaust ✅: The largest environmental source of benzene due to the combustion of gasoline.
2. Tobacco smoke ✅: A major source of indoor benzene exposure for both active and passive smokers.
3. Wood burning ✅: Releases benzene directly into the air through the process of incomplete combustion.
4. Varnished wooden furniture ❌: While varnishes release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), benzene is often not a major component of modern varnish emissions. Any small amount released typically dissipates quickly after the finish has cured, making it a negligible long-term pollution factor.
5. Polyurethane products ❌: Benzene is used as a chemical intermediate to make other chemicals for polyurethane, but it is not usually released by the final consumer product itself. Emissions from polyurethane are more commonly associated with other chemicals like isocyanates rather than benzene.

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