Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q94 (IAS/2021) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Applied everyday chemistry Official Key

Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2: Polycarbonate.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical primarily used as a structural monomer in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonates are known for being strong, resilient, and transparent, commonly used in food and beverage containers (like water bottles), medical devices, and consumer electronics.

  • Polycarbonate: BPA provides the essential molecular framework that gives this plastic its heat resistance and clarity. It can leach into food/water, causing endocrine disruption concerns.
  • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): Used in plastic bags; it is made from ethylene monomers, not BPA.
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Used in soda bottles; it is synthesized from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Used in pipes; its building block is vinyl chloride. While some PVC may contain additives, BPA is not its primary structural component.

Thus, BPA is specifically a key chemical building block for polycarbonate plastics.

How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
67%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics? [A]…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 7.5/10

This is a classic 'Science in Everyday Life' question derived from persistent health news rather than a chemistry textbook. While NCERT Chemistry covers polymers, the specific link between BPA and Polycarbonate is a staple of 'Endocrine Disruptor' current affairs. If you tracked 'Chemicals of Concern' (like Triclosan or Parabens), this was a sitter.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.1o.r. Plastic Waste > p. 84
Strength: 4/5
“r Plastics are considered to be one of the wonderful inventions of the twentieth century. They are widely used as packing and carry bags because of cost and convenience. But plastics are now considered as environmental hazard due to the 'Throw away culture'.”
Why relevant

Notes that plastics are widely used for packaging and carry bags — categories where LDPE is commonly employed.

How to extend

A student could use this to check which polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are typically used for such items and then ask whether BPA is part of those polymer formulations.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Impact of Microparticles > p. 97
Strength: 5/5
“physical obstruction or indirect interference with physiology is always possible (as with sea birds showing satiation on ingesting plastics) the n'raterial will pass through the animal virtually unchanged. The concern, however, is that plastics exposed to sea water tends to concentrate toxic and non-toxic organic compounds present in the sea water at low concentrations. These, including PCBs, DDT, and nonylphenols, have very high partition coefficients and are very efficiently concentrated in the plastic material. Plastic-related distress to over 50 species has been documented worldwide. The focus has very much been on larger species in surface waters or beaches, despite the fact that 99 percent of marine species live in the benthils.”
Why relevant

Explains that plastics tend to concentrate organic compounds (PCBs, DDT, nonylphenols) from the environment, distinguishing between the bulk polymer and small organic contaminants or additives.

How to extend

One could extend this to consider whether BPA is more likely to be an additive/contaminant that associates with plastics rather than a backbone monomer of common packaging polymers like LDPE.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
Strength: 4/5
“• R Classification of Plastics: • Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging • Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches. • Category 3: Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) and brand owners' for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environment pollution. • A committee constituted by the CPCB under the chairmanship of CPCB chairman will recommend measures to the environment ministry for effective implementation of EPR, including amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines.”
Why relevant

Gives a practical classification of plastics used in packaging (rigid vs flexible vs multilayer), implying plastics are formulated differently for different uses and may contain different layers/additives.

How to extend

Use this to guide a search for typical polymer types used in each category (e.g., LDPE for flexible films) and whether BPA is reported as a component in those formulations.

Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Our Environment > Activity 13.6 > p. 214
Strength: 3/5
“• n Use the library or internet to find out more about biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.• n How long are various non-biodegradable substances expected to last in our environment?• n These days, new types of plastics which are said to be biodegradable are available. Find out more about such materials and whether they do or do not harm the environment.”
Why relevant

Calls attention to differences between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics, implying that polymer chemistry determines environmental behavior and composition.

How to extend

A student could follow this hint to compare chemical structures of common non-biodegradable polymers (like polyethylene) with BPA's structure to judge whether BPA is a building block of such polymers.

Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions > Snapshots > p. 149
Strength: 3/5
“• A solution is said to be formed when two or more substances mix to form a uniform mixture.• In the solution formed by dissolving a solid in a liquid, the solid component is known as a solute and the liquid component is known as a solvent.• In a solution formed by mixing two liquids, the component present in less quantity is known as solute and the other component is called solvent.• In air, nitrogen is considered as a solvent, while oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases are considered as solutes.• A solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved, and no more of it can be dissolved at that temperature is called a saturated solution.• A solution in which more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature is called an unsaturated solution.• Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a fixed quantity (100 mL) of a solution or a solvent at a particular temperature.• Generally, in liquids, the solubility of solids increases and that of gases decreases with an increase in temperature.• The amount of matter present in an object is known as its mass.• The space occupied by an object or a substance is known as its volume.• Devices used to measure mass and volume are a weighing balance and a measuring cylinder, respectively.• The mass per unit volume of a substance is known as its density (Density = Mass/Volume).• Generally, density decreases with an increase in temperature and pressure affects density differently depending on the state of matter.”
Why relevant

Defines density and notes how it distinguishes materials; 'low-density' in LDPE is a descriptive property tied to polymer structure and packing.

How to extend

Combine this basic definition with external knowledge that 'LDPE' denotes a polyethylene with specific molecular branching/density, and then ask whether BPA (a distinct small molecule) fits as a monomer forming that polymer.

Statement 2
Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical widely employed to synthesize epoxy resins, polymer materials, and polycarbonate plastics."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states BPA is widely employed to synthesize polycarbonate plastics.
  • Directly ties BPA to the manufacture of polymer materials including polycarbonates.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The primary building block of polycarbonates, [bisphenol A]"
Why this source?
  • Identifies BPA as the primary building block of polycarbonates.
  • Directly indicates BPA's role as a key structural component in polycarbonate manufacture.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"BPA-PC: Poly(bisphenol A carbonate)."
Why this source?
  • Uses the name BPA-PC and defines it as poly(bisphenol A carbonate), linking BPA chemically to the polymer.
  • Shows that polycarbonate derived from BPA is a recognized polymer form (BPA-PC).

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ozone depletion > p. 12
Strength: 4/5
“Te compounds of CFC gases are nontoxic, non-fammable and chemically inert gases. Tese properties make them useful for a wide range of applications including refrigerants, foaming agents, plastic manufacturing, fre extinguishing agents, solvents for freezing food, cleaners for electronic components fne retardant, solvents, aerosol propellants, and the production of foamed plastics. CFCs is widely used because of its properties like non-corrosiveness, non-infammability, low toxicity and chemical stability. CFCs cannot be eliminated from the atmosphere by the usual scavenging processes like photodissociation, oxidation and rain out. Te residence time of CFCs in the atmosphere is estimated to be between 40 to 150 years.”
Why relevant

Says plastic manufacturing uses a variety of chemical compounds and specific industrial chemicals as inputs/agents.

How to extend

A student could take this general rule (plastics are made from specific chemical building blocks) and look up whether BPA is listed as a monomer or precursor for any particular plastic type (e.g., polycarbonate).

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
Strength: 3/5
“\{here it is used? They are used as refrigerants, propellents in aerosol sprays, foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, fire extinguishing agents, solvents for cleaning electronic and metallic components, for freezing foods etc . Two-thirds of CFC is used as refrigerants while one-third is used as blowing agents in foam insulation products.”
Why relevant

States that chemicals (e.g., CFCs) function as blowing/foaming agents in plastic manufacturing, showing that manufacturing processes rely on named chemicals with defined roles.

How to extend

Use the pattern that manufacturers name and use specific chemicals for defined roles to motivate checking whether BPA is named in manufacturing literature as a component/monomer for polycarbonate.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.ro.3. Effects > p. 84
Strength: 3/5
“• The land gets littered by plastic bag garbage and becomes ugly and unhygienic. • Conventional plastics have been associated with reproductive problems in both humans and wildlife. • Dioxin (highly carcinogenic and toxic), a by-product of the manufacturing process, is one of the chemicals believed to be passed on through breast milk to the nursing infant. • Burning of plastics, especially PVC releases this dioxin and also furan into the atmosphere. Manufacture to their disposal are a major problem to the environment. • Plastic bags can also contaminate foodstuffs due to leaching of toxic dyes and transfer of pathogens. • Careless disposal of plastic bags chokes drains, blocks the porosity of the soil and causes problems for groundwater recharge. • Plastic disturbs the soil microbe activity.”
Why relevant

Notes that conventional plastics are associated with specific chemical by-products and additives (e.g., dioxin), implying plastics production involves identifiable organic chemicals.

How to extend

A student could infer that if plastics involve identifiable organic chemicals, it is reasonable to search for whether BPA appears among commonly cited organic precursors or additives for specific plastics like polycarbonate.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Impact of Microparticles > p. 97
Strength: 2/5
“physical obstruction or indirect interference with physiology is always possible (as with sea birds showing satiation on ingesting plastics) the n'raterial will pass through the animal virtually unchanged. The concern, however, is that plastics exposed to sea water tends to concentrate toxic and non-toxic organic compounds present in the sea water at low concentrations. These, including PCBs, DDT, and nonylphenols, have very high partition coefficients and are very efficiently concentrated in the plastic material. Plastic-related distress to over 50 species has been documented worldwide. The focus has very much been on larger species in surface waters or beaches, despite the fact that 99 percent of marine species live in the benthils.”
Why relevant

Mentions that plastics concentrate organic compounds (PCBs, DDT, nonylphenols), highlighting that plastics and organic chemicals are closely linked in composition and interaction.

How to extend

From this pattern that plastics are closely associated with organic compounds, a student could plausibly investigate whether BPA (an organic compound) is chemically integrated into certain plastics (polycarbonate) rather than merely being an environmental contaminant.

Statement 3
Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Research has shown that recycled PET may contain residual BPA from previous uses, which can then leach into new products"
Why this source?
  • Directly states BPA appears in PET as a residual from previous uses, implying it is not a built-in structural monomer of PET.
  • Links BPA presence in PET bottles to contamination/recycled-content rather than PET synthesis.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"To enhance the strength, lifespan, and transparency of PET, phthalates (PAEs) or other inorganic species (e.g., Sb2O3 for synthesis) are commonly used as IAS in the production of PET bottles"
Why this source?
  • Describes additives actually used to modify PET (phthalates, inorganic species like Sb2O3), not BPA, indicating other substances are typical components/additives in PET manufacture.
  • Supports the view that BPA is not listed among common structural or processing components for PET.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"BPA-PC: Poly(bisphenol A carbonate)."
Why this source?
  • Shows BPA is a structural monomer in a different polymer (poly(bisphenol A carbonate), BPA-PC), illustrating that BPA is a key component of polycarbonate but not PET.
  • Provides a contrast that BPA-based polymers exist (BPA-PC), reinforcing that BPA's presence in plastics is polymer-specific.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
Strength: 4/5
“• R Classification of Plastics: • Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging • Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches. • Category 3: Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) and brand owners' for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environment pollution. • A committee constituted by the CPCB under the chairmanship of CPCB chairman will recommend measures to the environment ministry for effective implementation of EPR, including amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines.”
Why relevant

Gives a rule-like statement that plastics are classified into distinct categories (rigid, flexible, multilayer), implying different plastics are distinct materials with specific compositions.

How to extend

A student could use this to reason that PET is one specific plastic category and therefore check PET's defined monomers to see if BPA is listed.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 1. Greenhouse/ Polyhouse > p. 354
Strength: 3/5
“Polyhouse or a greenhouse is a house or a structure made of translucent material like glass or polyethylene where the plants grow and develop under controlled climatic conditions. A greenhouse is a glass house whose interiors become warm when exposed to sunbeams as the house stops the greenhouse gas to leave. So, when it is cold outside, the temperature inside is survival friendly and warm for the plants.”
Why relevant

Mentions 'polyethylene' as a specific polymer used in structures (polyhouse), illustrating that polymers with similar names can be distinct materials with different monomer/backbone chemistry.

How to extend

A student could note that 'polyethylene' and 'polyethylene terephthalate (PET)' are different polymers and therefore should compare PET's monomers to BPA to test the claim.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > Effects on materials > p. 272
Strength: 3/5
“• r Synthetic polymers, natural occurring bio-polymers, as well as some other materials of commercial interest are adversely affected by solar radiation. \• r The application of these materials, particularly plastics, in situations which demand routine exposure to sunlight is only possible through the use of light-stabilizers and/or surface treatment to protect them from sunlight.”
Why relevant

States that 'synthetic polymers' (plastics) are a class of materials that behave as a group and require specific stabilizers/treatments, implying plastics are engineered from defined monomers and additives.

How to extend

Use this pattern to check authoritative polymer descriptions listing monomers and additives for PET to see whether BPA is part of PET's polymer backbone.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Impact of Microparticles > p. 97
Strength: 4/5
“physical obstruction or indirect interference with physiology is always possible (as with sea birds showing satiation on ingesting plastics) the n'raterial will pass through the animal virtually unchanged. The concern, however, is that plastics exposed to sea water tends to concentrate toxic and non-toxic organic compounds present in the sea water at low concentrations. These, including PCBs, DDT, and nonylphenols, have very high partition coefficients and are very efficiently concentrated in the plastic material. Plastic-related distress to over 50 species has been documented worldwide. The focus has very much been on larger species in surface waters or beaches, despite the fact that 99 percent of marine species live in the benthils.”
Why relevant

Explains that plastics can concentrate various organic compounds (e.g., PCBs, nonylphenols) from the environment, distinguishing between inherent polymer components and adsorbed contaminants.

How to extend

A student could use this distinction to ask whether BPA is an intrinsic monomer (structural component) of PET or an adsorbed/added contaminant and then check chemical synthesis sources.

Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Our Environment > Activity 13.6 > p. 214
Strength: 2/5
“• n Use the library or internet to find out more about biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.• n How long are various non-biodegradable substances expected to last in our environment?• n These days, new types of plastics which are said to be biodegradable are available. Find out more about such materials and whether they do or do not harm the environment.”
Why relevant

Encourages investigating types of biodegradable vs non-biodegradable plastics, implying plastics are classed by chemical identity and degradation properties.

How to extend

Extend by looking up PET's degradation and chemical identity (monomers) to determine if BPA is chemically integral to PET.

Statement 4
Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"large quantities worldwide and is commonly used intentionally (intentionally added substances-IAS) as a monomer in the synthesis of polycarbonate (PC), a plasticizer in the production of epoxy resins, and an additive in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states BPA is used as an additive in PVC production, not as the polymer's monomer or primary building block.
  • Also identifies BPA's primary polymer role as a monomer for polycarbonate, contrasting its function with PVC's chemistry.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"vinyl chloride, the precursor to PVC The primary building block of polycarbonates, bisphenol A"
Why this source?
  • Identifies vinyl chloride as the precursor to PVC, indicating PVC's key structural component differs from BPA.
  • States BPA is the primary building block of polycarbonates, reinforcing that BPA's structural role is for other polymers, not PVC.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.1r.L Source and its health effects > p. 93
Strength: 4/5
“4. | Hexavalent Chromium/ Chromium VI is used as a corrosion protector of untreated and galvanized steel plates and as a decorative or hardener for steel components. Plastics (including PVC): Dioxin is released when PVC is burned. Chromium Vl can cause damage to DNA, and is extremely toxic in the environment. The largest volume of plastics (e60lo) used in electronics has been PVC. AII Rights Reserved. No part of this material ma,y be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing. ffi”
Why relevant

Mentions PVC explicitly and notes dioxin release when PVC is burned, implying PVC is a chlorine-containing polymer (burn products include chlorinated toxins).

How to extend

A student could combine this with basic chemistry knowledge that PVC = polyvinyl chloride (a chlorine-containing polymer) to infer that key PVC components are vinyl chloride–based rather than bisphenol-type molecules.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.ro.3. Effects > p. 84
Strength: 4/5
“• The land gets littered by plastic bag garbage and becomes ugly and unhygienic. • Conventional plastics have been associated with reproductive problems in both humans and wildlife. • Dioxin (highly carcinogenic and toxic), a by-product of the manufacturing process, is one of the chemicals believed to be passed on through breast milk to the nursing infant. • Burning of plastics, especially PVC releases this dioxin and also furan into the atmosphere. Manufacture to their disposal are a major problem to the environment. • Plastic bags can also contaminate foodstuffs due to leaching of toxic dyes and transfer of pathogens. • Careless disposal of plastic bags chokes drains, blocks the porosity of the soil and causes problems for groundwater recharge. • Plastic disturbs the soil microbe activity.”
Why relevant

States that burning PVC releases dioxin and that plastics can leach toxic dyes and other chemicals, indicating PVC products commonly contain added substances (additives, plasticizers, dyes) distinct from the polymer backbone.

How to extend

A student could use this to reason that BPA, if present, would more likely be an additive/plasticizer/contaminant rather than the structural monomer of PVC, and then check common uses of BPA vs. PVC monomer identity.

Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > Activity 3.6 > p. 39
Strength: 3/5
“• n Set up an electric circuit as shown in Fig. 3.2.• n Place the metal to be tested in the circuit• between terminals A and B as shown.• n Does the bulb glow? What does this indicate? You must have seen that the wires that carry current in your homes have a coating of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or a rubber-like material. Why are electric wires coated with such substances? What happens when metals strike a hard surface? Do they produce a sound? The metals that produce a sound on striking a hard surface are said to be sonorous. Can you now say why school bells are made of metals?”
Why relevant

Notes PVC is used as insulation/coating for electric wires, an application that typically uses specific polymers and additives tailored for flexibility and insulation.

How to extend

Using common product-application knowledge, a student might infer PVC formulations for wire insulation rely on vinyl chloride polymer chemistry and specialized plasticizers, prompting a check whether BPA is commonly listed among such PVC components.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.2.4 Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozo. > p. 98
Strength: 3/5
“5.t2.4. Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozl, r The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of foilowing single-use plastic, including poiysfyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the rstJuly, zozz:- Single use plastic products oi- • ear buds with plastic sticks, piastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene flhermocoll for decoration;• plates, cups, giasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than roo micron, stirrers All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, with out permission in writing.”
Why relevant

Lists PVC banners and similar items among regulated single-use plastics, confirming PVC is a distinct category of plastic in manufacture and regulation.

How to extend

A student can take this regulatory categorization as support that PVC is a specific polymer family (not a bisphenol-based material) and then compare the typical monomers and additives used for PVC versus bisphenol-based plastics.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC has moved from asking 'Is plastic bad?' to 'Which molecule makes it bad?'. The pattern is consistent: Triclosan (2021), BPA (2021), Acephate (2017). They target specific invisible chemicals in daily-use items.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter for newspaper readers; Trap for static-only students. Source: Recurring Current Affairs on 'Food Safety' and 'Endocrine Disruptors'.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Environmental Pollution & Human Health. Specifically, the sub-theme of 'Toxic Additives in Consumer Goods'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these Toxic Pairs: 1. PVC → Phthalates (Plasticizers/Hormone disruption). 2. Teflon/Non-stick → PFAS/PFOA (Forever chemicals). 3. Polystyrene → Styrene (Neurotoxin). 4. Cosmetics/Soaps → Triclosan & Parabens. 5. Soft Drinks (PET) → Antimony leaching.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop studying 'Plastic Pollution' generically. Shift to 'Pollutant Chemistry'. UPSC asks: Chemical Name + Source Product + Health Impact. Create a table for every chemical mentioned in the news (e.g., 'BPA free' labels).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Plastic packaging classification (rigid, flexible, multilayer)
💡 The insight

Knowing categories of plastic packaging clarifies which polymer types (e.g., films vs rigid containers) are used in manufacture and disposal contexts relevant to LDPE.

High-yield for environment and policy questions: classification links to Extended Producer Responsibility, waste-management rules and material-specific pollution policies. It helps answer questions on regulation, recycling priorities and lifecycle impacts of different polymers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of low-densit..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Persistence and fragmentation of plastics in the marine environment
💡 The insight

The long lifetimes and tendency of plastics to disintegrate into microplastics explain environmental fate and the potential release of additives from polymers such as LDPE.

Essential for the environment syllabus and essay/policy questions: connects polymer chemistry to marine pollution, microplastics, biodiversity impacts and remediation strategies. Enables answers on ecological risk and long-term management of plastic waste.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.12.1. Plastics as a Waste Material in Marine Environment > p. 96
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.1o.r. Plastic Waste > p. 84
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of low-densit..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Partitioning and concentration of organic pollutants on plastics
💡 The insight

Plastics can concentrate hydrophobic organic compounds (PCBs, DDT, nonylphenols), a process relevant when assessing whether additives or contaminants (like BPA) associate with polymer materials.

Critical for questions on toxicology, food-chain contamination and environmental health: explains pollutant transfer, bioaccumulation risks and the rationale for regulating additives in polymers. Useful when linking industrial chemistry to public health and policy.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Impact of Microparticles > p. 97
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of low-densit..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Chemical inputs in plastic production (monomers, solvents, blowing agents)
💡 The insight

Specific chemicals and agents are deliberately used in plastic manufacture; knowing the categories of inputs explains how particular compounds become part of a polymer's structure or processing.

High-yield for environment and industrial-process questions: links polymer chemistry to manufacturing practices and pollution control. Helps answer questions about which compounds are incorporated into plastics versus which are used as processing aids or auxiliaries.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > ozone depletion > p. 12
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 19: Ozone Depletion > here it is used? > p. 268
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polycarbon..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Toxic by-products and health impacts from plastics manufacturing and disposal
💡 The insight

Plastics manufacture and burning can release highly toxic compounds, so understanding toxic outputs is essential when evaluating safety of chemicals used in production.

Important for environment, public health and policy segments: connects industrial chemistry to human health impacts and environmental monitoring. Useful for questions on regulation, waste management and health advisories.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.ro.3. Effects > p. 84
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Impact of Microparticles > p. 97
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polycarbon..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Plastic waste regulation and classification (single-use bans, EPR)
💡 The insight

Regulatory frameworks classify and restrict types of plastics and products to control environmental harm, which affects choices of materials and additives in manufacturing.

Relevant for governance and environment topics: explains policy tools (bans, Extended Producer Responsibility) used to manage plastic pollution and informs questions on policy design and industry compliance.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.2.4 Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozo. > p. 98
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polycarbon..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Plastic classification for recycling and regulation
💡 The insight

Plastics are categorised (rigid, flexible, multilayer) which determines how they are managed, recycled, and regulated.

High-yield for UPSC environment and policy questions because classification underpins Extended Producer Responsibility and waste-management rules; connects to industrial policy, municipal solid waste, and EPR frameworks. Enables candidates to answer questions on regulatory measures, segregation strategies, and producer liabilities.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
🔗 Anchor: "Is bisphenol A (BPA) a structural/key component in the manufacture of polyethyle..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Phthalates. If BPA is the 'hardener' for Polycarbonate, Phthalates are the 'softeners' (plasticizers) for PVC. They are the next logical target for a question on endocrine disruptors in plastics.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Etymology Hack'. Options A, C, and D contain the name of their monomer in the polymer name itself: Poly-ETHYLENE comes from Ethylene; Poly-VINYL CHLORIDE comes from Vinyl Chloride. 'Polycarbonate' is the only generic class name where the monomer isn't obvious. BPA (Bisphenol A) is a complex chemical that doesn't fit the simple naming convention of the others, making it the likely partner for the complex polymer name.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS2 (Health) & GS3 (Environment): Link this to the 'One Health' approach. Bioaccumulation of industrial chemicals (like BPA) in the food chain creates a cycle of toxicity affecting both marine biodiversity and human reproductive health.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2008 · Q8 Relevance score: 0.78

What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?

NDA-I · 2016 · Q23 Relevance score: -0.58

Which of the commonly used household item(s) release Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an endocrine disruptor and bad for human health ? 1. Steel utensils 2. Plastic coffee mugs 3. Aluminium utensils 4. Plastic water storage bottles Select the correct answer using the code given below: ,

CDS-II · 2007 · Q45 Relevance score: -6.69

Which of the following nutrients is not a structural component of the plant

NDA-I · 2012 · Q13 Relevance score: -6.85

Which one among the following nutrients is a structural component of the cell wall of plants?

CDS-I · 2008 · Q56 Relevance score: -6.87

Which of the following nutrients is not a structural component of the plant ?