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?
Correct Answer: Option C
Statement 1 is correct: Artisanal gold mining is a significant contributor to global mercury emissions, accounting for over 35% of all human-caused mercury pollution.
Statement 2 is correct: Coal-based thermal power plants are a source of mercury pollution. During the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels, mercury is released. Coal contains higher concentrations of mercury compared to other fossil fuels, leading to larger mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Statement 3 is correct: Mercury is a highly toxic element, and there is no known safe level of exposure. Ideally, neither children nor adults should have any mercury in their bodies due to its lack of physiological benefits.
Hence, all three statements are correct.