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 materials. 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 ?

Correct Option All three statements are correct. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic fluorinated chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products due to their resistance to water, stains, and heat. - Statement 1: PFAS have been extensively detected across various environmental matrices, including drinking water, soil, air, food, and food packaging materials such as microwave popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers, and pizza boxes. - Statement 2: These substances are highly resistant to environmental degradation. This characteristic is attributed to the exceptional strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest in organic chemistry, leading to their designation as "forever chemicals." - Statement 3: Due to their environmental persistence, PFAS accumulate in living organisms, including humans and wildlife, through a process known as bioaccumulation. Chronic exposure to PFAS is associated with a range of potential adverse health effects. Incorrect Options Options (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because all three statements provided in the question are factually accurate regarding PFAS. - Option (A) is incorrect as Statement 3 is also correct. - Option (B) is incorrect as Statement 1 is also correct. - Option (C) is incorrect as Statement 2 is also correct.

IAS 2024 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2024mcqmedium

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

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

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

All three statements are correct.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic fluorinated chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products due to their resistance to water, stains, and heat.

Statement 1: PFAS have been extensively detected across various environmental matrices, including drinking water, soil, air, food, and food packaging materials such as microwave popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers, and pizza boxes.
Statement 2: These substances are highly resistant to environmental degradation. This characteristic is attributed to the exceptional strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest in organic chemistry, leading to their designation as "forever chemicals."
Statement 3: Due to their environmental persistence, PFAS accumulate in living organisms, including humans and wildlife, through a process known as bioaccumulation. Chronic exposure to PFAS is associated with a range of potential adverse health effects.

Incorrect Options

Options (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because all three statements provided in the question are factually accurate regarding PFAS.

Option (A) is incorrect as Statement 3 is also correct.
Option (B) is incorrect as Statement 1 is also correct.
Option (C) is incorrect as Statement 2 is also correct.

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