UPSC Prelims 2019 Q39: Science & Technology – Chemistry
- (a) pesticides in agriculture
- (b) preservatives in processed foods
- (c) fruit - ripening agents
- (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics
Answer: (a) pesticides in agriculture
Explanation
Carbofuran, Methyl Parathion, Phorate, Triazophos
| Chemical | Class | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Carbofuran | Carbamate | Insecticide/Pesticide - highly toxic; banned/restricted in many countries |
| Methyl Parathion | Organophosphate | Insecticide - highly toxic; banned in most developed nations |
| Phorate | Organophosphate | Systemic insecticide for soil pests |
| Triazophos | Organophosphate | Broad-spectrum insecticide |
All four are highly hazardous pesticides. The Anupam Verma Committee (2015) and subsequent notifications have banned/restricted several of these in India.
Answer: (a) pesticides in agriculture.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. All four are highly toxic pesticides (organophosphates and carbamates) used in agriculture; their use is restricted/banned due to health and environmental hazards.
- (b) Incorrect. Food preservatives are sodium benzoate, sorbates, nitrites - none of these chemicals.
- (c) Incorrect. Fruit ripening uses ethylene, calcium carbide (banned) - not these organophosphates.
- (d) Incorrect. Cosmetic moisturisers use glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea - not organophosphate pesticides.
Key point
Carbofuran, Methyl Parathion, Phorate, Triazophos = highly hazardous pesticides (carbamates + organophosphates). Banned/restricted in India per Anupam Verma Committee (2015) recommendations.
Remember
Carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos are all highly toxic pesticides (organophosphates and carbamates) used in agriculture. Their use is viewed with apprehension in India due to acute toxicity to farmers, non-target species and residue contamination - many are banned or restricted following the Anupam Verma Committee report (2015).
Common mistakes
- Confusing pesticide chemical classes with food additives.
- Assuming any 'phos'-ending name is a fertilizer (phosphate) - these are organophosphate pesticides.
- Not knowing India follows Stockholm Convention and WHO hazard classification for pesticide restrictions.
Exam tip
Pesticide classes: (i) Organochlorines - DDT, aldrin, endosulfan (persistent, banned). (ii) Organophosphates - malathion, parathion, phorate, chlorpyrifos (acute toxicity). (iii) Carbamates - carbofuran, carbaryl (cholinesterase inhibitors). (iv) Pyrethroids - modern, safer. (v) Neonicotinoids - concern for bees.
Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture - Anupam Verma Committee Report on hazardous pesticides
- Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) notifications