UPSC Prelims 2017 Q73: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following pairs: Commonly used / consumed materials - Unwanted or
controversial chemicals likely to be found in them
1. Lipstick - Lead
2. Soft drinks - Brominated vegetable oils
3. Chinese fast food - Monosodium glutamate
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Unwanted or controversial chemicals in commonly used materials
| Pair | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lipstick - Lead | Correct | Lead occurs as an impurity in colour pigments; it is a neurotoxin |
| 2. Soft drinks - Brominated vegetable oils | Correct | BVO is an emulsifier that keeps citrus flavour mixed in the drink |
| 3. Chinese fast food - Monosodium glutamate | Correct | MSG (ajinomoto) is a flavour enhancer |
Why each is controversial:
| Chemical | Concern |
|---|---|
| Lead | Builds up in the body; harms the brain and nerves |
| Brominated vegetable oils | Bromine builds up in body fat; banned in many countries |
| Monosodium glutamate | Linked by some to headaches; labelling required in India |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pairs 2 and 3 are also right: BVO in soft drinks and MSG in Chinese food.
- (b) Incorrect. Pair 1 is also right: lead can be found in lipstick.
- (c) Incorrect. Pair 2 is also right: soft drinks may contain brominated vegetable oils.
- (d) CORRECT. Lead, brominated vegetable oils and monosodium glutamate are all correctly matched.
Key point
Lipstick - lead (pigment impurity); citrus soft drinks - brominated vegetable oils (emulsifier); Chinese fast food - monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer).
Remember
Lipstick-lead, soft drink-BVO, Chinese food-MSG.
Common mistakes
- Doubting pair 2 because 'vegetable oil' sounds harmless.
- Thinking lead is found only in paint and petrol.
- Confusing MSG with common salt (sodium chloride).
Exam tip
In 'likely to be found' pairs on food and cosmetics, all pairs are often right.
Sources
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011
- Centre for Science and Environment — Heavy metals in cosmetics (2014)