INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

Science & Technology General Science
Q.

The presence of certain minerals is essential in water, however, if found in excess they can be harmful to our body. In this context, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Deficiency of fluoride in drinking water causes diseases such as tooth decay.

2. Excessive sulphate in drinking water causes laxative effect.

3. Excess lead in drinking water can cause disease such as ‘blue baby’ syndrome.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Explanation:

ANSWER: (A)

  • Deficiency of fluoride in drinking water is harmful to man and causes diseases such as tooth decay etc. However, excess of fluoride in drinking water causes brown mottling of teeth. (Thus, Statement 1 is correct) 
  • Excess of lead in drinking water can damage kidney, liver, reproductive system etc. Excessive sulphate in drinking water causes laxative effect, otherwise at moderate levels it is harmless. (Thus, Statement 2 is correct) 
  • Excess nitrate in drinking water can cause disease such as methemoglobinemia (‘blue baby’ syndrome). (Thus, Statement 3 is not correct) 

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