[Solved] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems , are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines

Q25. Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems , are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1. Brakes of motor vehicles

2. Engines of motor vehicles

3. Microwave stoves within homes

4. Power plants

5. Telephone lines

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A. 1,2,3 and 5 only

B. 1,2 and 4 only

C. 3,4 and 5 only

D. 1,2,3,4 and 5

Answer: B

· Magnetite is a mineral and one of the main iron ores, with the chemical formula Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄.

· It is one of the oxides of iron, and is ferrimagnetic; it is attracted to a magnet and can be magnetized to become a permanent magnet itself.

· It is the most magnetic of all the naturally occurring minerals on Earth.

· Magnetite can have potentially large impacts on the brain due to its unique combination of redox activity, surface charge and strongly magnetic behaviour.

· Airborne magnetite pollution particles < ~200 nm in size can access the brain directly via the olfactory and/or trigeminal nerves, bypassing the blood -brain barrier.

· They are generated by a wide variety of processes, both natural and fabricated, including forest fires and wood -burning stoves, road traffic pollution, and many high -temperature industrial processes .

· In addition to occupational settings (including, for example, exposure to printer toner powders), higher concentrations of magnetite pollution nanoparticles may arise in the indoor environment from open fires or poorly-sealed stoves used for cooking and/or heating, and in the outdoor environment from vehicle (tailpipe and brake wear) and/or industrial PM sources.

· Mechanical wear

· Combustion