Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: B
The correct answer is (c) All three.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals. It is released into the environment from natural sources, such as volcanoes, and from human activities, such as gold mining and coal burning. Mercury can accumulate in fish and shellfish, and people who eat these foods can be exposed to high levels of mercury. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury, and even low levels can cause health problems.
Gold mining is a major source of mercury pollution in the world. Mercury is used to extract gold from ore, and it is often released into the environment during this process. Coal-based thermal power plants are another major source of mercury pollution. Mercury is released into the air when coal is burned, and it can travel long distances before it settles to the ground.
There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. Even low levels of mercury can cause health problems, such as damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. Mercury is especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children, as it can damage the developing brain.
It is important to reduce mercury emissions and to protect people from exposure to mercury. There are a number of ways to do this, including:
- Reducing mercury emissions from gold mining and coal burning.
- Limiting the amount of mercury that is used in products and industrial processes.
- Educating people about the risks of mercury exposure and how to protect themselves.
By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the risks of mercury pollution and protect human health
