Prelims 2023 · Environment · Question 89
Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:
- Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
- Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
- There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer
All three
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution — Correct. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining widely uses mercury to extract gold and is a major global source of mercury emissions.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution — Correct. Coal contains trace mercury, which is released during combustion in thermal power plants.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury — Correct. WHO and public health guidance treat mercury as highly toxic, especially to the nervous system, and no exposure level is considered completely risk-free.
Hence, all three statements are correct.