PM2.5 Pollution: Silent Threat to Joint Health and Autoimmune Diseases

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. PM2.5 particles, due to their small size (less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter), can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation. This is a core aspect of the new research mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is correct. The article explicitly states that new research suggests PM2.5 pollution is 'silently attacking our joints, potentially triggering autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis'. Statement 3 is correct. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year for comparison. This is a key government initiative to combat air pollution. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an immune response against the body's own cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This is the fundamental definition. Statement 2 is incorrect. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role in many autoimmune diseases, environmental factors (such as infections, diet, stress, and exposure to toxins/pollutants) are increasingly recognized as crucial triggers that interact with genetic susceptibility. It is not the 'sole determinant', and environmental factors are not 'negligible'. Statement 3 is correct. The provided article explicitly highlights this, stating that PM2.5 pollution can 'potentially trigger autoimmune diseases'. This aligns with growing scientific consensus that environmental pollutants can act as triggers or exacerbating factors for autoimmune conditions. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Answer: D

Statement A is correct. GRAP is indeed a set of emergency measures primarily designed for the National Capital Region (NCR) to tackle escalating air pollution levels. Statement B is correct. GRAP operates on a predefined scale of severity, with measures kicking in as air quality deteriorates from 'Moderate to Poor' to 'Severe +' levels, based on the AQI. Statement C is correct. The EPCA was initially mandated by the Supreme Court to implement GRAP. However, in 2020, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas was established by an ordinance (later an Act) to replace EPCA and streamline air quality management, including GRAP implementation. Statement D is NOT correct. GRAP was specifically formulated for the NCR due to its unique geographical and meteorological conditions and high pollution levels. While other cities might have their own action plans, GRAP itself is not uniformly applied across all cities in India. Its focus is primarily on the NCR. Therefore, statement D is the incorrect one.