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📌 The Question:
With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:

1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging material.
2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.
3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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✅ Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

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🔍 Classroom Explanation (Lightning Mode):

• Statement 1 – Correct ✅
  PFAS are widely detected in drinking water, food, food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and firefighting foams (AFFF).
• Statement 2 – Correct ✅
  PFAS are famously called “forever chemicals” because their carbon–fluorine bonds are extremely strong, making them highly resistant to environmental degradation.
• Statement 3 – Correct ✅
  Continuous exposure causes bioaccumulation in humans and animals since PFAS are absorbed faster than they are excreted, leading to long-term health risks.

➡️ Hence, all three statements are correct.

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🧠 Curiosity Raiser:
👉 PFAS have been detected even in Arctic ice, polar bears, and human blood worldwide — geography offers no immunity.

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📚 Enrich Notes (UPSC Ready):

• PFAS exposure is linked to:
  • Hormonal disruption
  • Reduced immunity
  • Liver damage
  • Increased cancer risk
• Major concern areas:
  • Drinking water contamination
  • Food-contact materials
• Global regulatory push:
  • EU restrictions
  • US EPA health advisories
  • Stockholm Convention discussions

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🕊️ IAS Monk Whisper:
“What never breaks in nature eventually breaks the balance.”