UPSC Prelims 2008 Q8: Science & Technology – Chemistry
What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?
- (a) A medical test for detecting cancer
- (b) A test for testing the use of drugs to improve performance by athletes
- (c) A chemical used for the development of food - packaging materials
- (d) A special type of alloy steel
Answer: (c) A chemical used for the development of food - packaging materials
Explanation
What Bisphenol A (BPA) is
This widely discussed chemical compound has raised health concerns due to its common industrial application.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) A medical test for detecting cancer | Incorrect | Not a diagnostic test |
| (b) A test for performance-enhancing drugs in athletes | Incorrect | Unrelated to anti-doping testing |
| (c) A chemical used in food-packaging materials | Correct | BPA is an industrial chemical widely used in manufacturing plastics and resins for food-packaging materials (like certain plastic containers and can linings), raising health concerns about its leaching into food |
| (d) A special type of alloy steel | Incorrect | Unrelated to metallurgy |
BPA facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Food-packaging plastics/resins |
| Concern | Potential health effects from leaching into food/drink |
Answer: (c) A chemical used for the development of food-packaging materials.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. BPA is not a cancer-detection medical test.
- (b) Incorrect. BPA is unrelated to athlete drug testing.
- (c) CORRECT. BPA is a chemical widely used in food-packaging plastics/resins.
- (d) Incorrect. BPA is unrelated to alloy steel.
Key point
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics and resins for FOOD-PACKAGING MATERIALS, raising health concerns about its leaching into food.
Remember
Bisphenol A (BPA): a chemical used in the development of food-packaging materials.
Common mistakes
- Confusing BPA's chemical/industrial nature with medical or anti-doping tests.
- Not knowing BPA's specific food-packaging plastics application.
- Mixing up BPA with unrelated metallurgical terms.
Exam tip
BPA = a chemical used in food-packaging plastics/resins, a frequently discussed health-and-environment topic.
Sources
- National Toxicology Program (United States) — NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Bisphenol A (2008)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — bisphenol A