Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS 2014 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2014mcqmedium

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

Option (c):

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are a class of synthetic chemicals incorporated into various consumer products to reduce flammability. Concerns regarding their use stem from their environmental behavior and potential biological effects.

Statement 1 is correct. BFRs exhibit high chemical stability, rendering them highly resistant to degradation in the environment. This persistence allows them to remain in ecosystems for extended periods, classifying them as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Statement 2 is correct. Due to their lipophilic (fat-soluble) nature, BFRs readily accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, including humans and animals. This process, known as bioaccumulation, leads to their entry and concentration within the food chain. Exposure to BFRs has been associated with various adverse health effects, such as endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental issues, and immune system impairment.

Since both statements accurately describe the concerns associated with Brominated Flame Retardants, option (c) is the correct answer.

Incorrect Options

Option (a) is incorrect because it acknowledges only the environmental persistence (Statement 1) but disregards the significant concern of bioaccumulation in living organisms (Statement 2).

Option (b) is incorrect because it addresses only the bioaccumulation aspect (Statement 2) while overlooking the crucial issue of their high resistance to environmental degradation (Statement 1).

Option (d) is incorrect as it asserts that neither statement is a valid concern, which contradicts established scientific understanding regarding the environmental persistence and bioaccumulative potential of BFRs.

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Correct Option

Option (c):

Since both statements accurately describe the concerns associated with Brominated Flame Retardants, option (c) is the correct answer.

Incorrect Options

Option (a) is incorrect because it acknowledges only the environmental persistence (Statement 1) but disregards the significant concern of bioaccumulation in living organisms (Statement 2).

Option (b) is incorrect because it addresses only the bioaccumulation aspect (Statement 2) while overlooking the crucial issue of their high resistance to environmental degradation (Statement 1).