Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals

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Q: 16 (IAS/2014)
Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

question_subject: 

Ecology

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,129,66,30,29,129,7

keywords: 

{'flame retardants': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'many household products': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'degradation': [3, 1, 1, 3], 'mattresses': [0, 0, 0, 1]}

The correct answer is option 3: Both 1 and 2.

Brominated flame retardants are a group of chemicals that are added to various materials to increase their fire resistance. However, there is concern about their use for a few reasons:

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment: These chemicals can persist in the environment for a long time and can accumulate in the food chain.

2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals: These chemicals can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. Once inside the body, they can accumulate in fatty tissues and organs, potentially causing harm over time.

Therefore, the use of brominated flame retardants is a subject of concern due to their persistence in the environment and potential risks to human and animal health.