TLS Online TPP Program

#Question id: 11995


You are working for the Environmental Protection Agency and researching the effect of a potentially toxic chemical in drinking water. There is no documented scientific evidence showing that the chemical is toxic, but many suspect it to be a health hazard. Using the precautionary principle, what would be a reasonable environmental policy?

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles
  1. Establish no regulations until there are conclusive scientific studies.
  2. Set the acceptable levels of the chemical conservatively low,  and keep them there unless future studies show that they can be safely raised.
  3. Set  the  acceptable levels  at  the  highest levels  encountered, and  keep  them  there  unless future  studies demonstrate negative health effects.
  4. Caution  individuals  to  use  their  own  judgment  in  deciding  whether  to  drink  water  from  a  potentially contaminated area