Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IAS 2020 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2020mcqmedium

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:

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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Solution

Correct Option

Benzene is a known volatile organic compound (VOC) and a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene pollution primarily arises from the following sources:

Automobile exhaust: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles releases benzene into the atmosphere.
Tobacco smoke: Both active smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are significant sources of benzene.
Wood burning: Combustion of wood and other biomass, particularly through inefficient burning processes, releases benzene.

Incorrect Options

While varnished wooden furniture (Statement 4) and products made of polyurethane (Statement 5) can emit various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during off-gassing, benzene is generally not a significant or primary component of these emissions under normal use conditions. Therefore, these are not considered major sources of benzene exposure.

Option A is correct as it accurately identifies the primary sources of benzene pollution. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they either exclude major sources (1 and 3) or incorrectly include statements 4 and 5 as significant factors for benzene exposure.

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