Given below are two statements: Statement I: Chlorine is one of the most…
2023
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Chlorine is one of the most commonly used and inexpensive chemical disinfectants for water. Statement II: Optimum fluoride levels in drinking water help prevent cavities in children. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Answer: A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct — CONCEPTWater treatment protects health through distinct mechanisms. Disinfection agents inactivate disease-causing microorganisms, while an optimal…
- A.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
- B.
Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- C.
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
- D.
Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
CONCEPT
Water treatment protects health through distinct mechanisms. Disinfection agents inactivate disease-causing microorganisms, while an optimal concentration of a beneficial mineral can protect a body tissue without serving as a disinfectant.
APPLICATION
Chlorine forms active disinfecting species in water and is widely used because it is effective, available, and relatively inexpensive. Fluoride at an optimal drinking-water concentration strengthens tooth enamel and lowers the risk of dental caries, including in children.
CONTRAST
The pairing that rejects both statements overlooks both microbial disinfection and enamel protection.
The pairing that accepts only Statement I overlooks the dental-caries benefit associated with optimal fluoride exposure.
The pairing that accepts only Statement II overlooks chlorine’s established role in drinking-water disinfection.
The two statements describe separate preventive-health roles: chlorine addresses microbial safety, whereas fluoride addresses dental caries. Both mechanisms are supported, so both statements are correct.