UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 66
Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?
- Smelting units
- Pens and pencils
- Paints
- Hair oils and cosmetics
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Industrial smelting and lead-based paints remained prominent lead-exposure sources after leaded petrol phase-out.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Lead smelting emits lead-bearing dust and fumes.
2: Incorrect - Modern pencil cores are graphite/clay, not metallic lead, and ordinary pens are not a typical source.
3: Correct - Old or substandard paints may contain toxic lead pigments.
4: Incorrect - Hair oils/cosmetics are not accepted as a general source in this keyed question; contaminated products can nevertheless pose risks.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 2.
B: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 2, 4; omits correct items 1, 3.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 2, 4.
Review Note: Some cosmetics and traditional preparations may contain lead; source key B reflects conventional major sources rather than every possible exposure.