Consumer advocate: Many household cleaners contain ingredients which a

The consumer advocate’s proposal is:

“Because many household cleaners contain toxic ingredients that pose a significant risk when ingested by children or pets, we should pass a law prohibiting the use of such toxic ingredients in household cleaners.”
We want to find the answer choice that most strongly supports this proposal.

Key insight: A compelling way to support the advocate’s argument would be to show that these toxic ingredients can be removed or replaced without serious drawbacks (e.g., without excessive cost or loss of effectiveness). If it’s possible to maintain effectiveness and affordability without using toxic ingredients, the advocate's case for banning them is strengthened.

Let’s analyze each choice:

(A) "Most toxic household cleaners have labels which clearly warn of their toxicity."
This does not support banning them. If anything, clear labeling might reduce the need for a ban (by warning users), so it doesn’t strengthen the argument.
(B) "There are many different types of household cleaners, and some are more effective than others."
This statement is too general and doesn’t show why we must ban the toxic cleaners rather than, for example, just choosing safer ones.
(C) "When the use of household cleaners is discontinued, harmful bacteria are more likely to propagate in areas where children and pets are commonly found."
This suggests a reason not to discontinue (ban) cleaners. It weakens rather than strengthens the advocate’s position, implying we need them to prevent bacterial problems.
(D) "The toxic ingredients in most household cleaners could be replaced by comparably priced, non-toxic ingredients of equal or better quality."
This is strong support for the argument. If we can replace toxic ingredients with alternatives that are just as effective and cost the same, the consumer advocate’s proposed ban becomes more feasible and less disruptive.
(E) "The amount of toxic ingredients found in most household cleaners is much less than the amount contained in most types of common gasoline."
This comparison does not address whether toxic household cleaner ingredients should be banned. Comparing their quantity to gasoline is irrelevant to whether a ban is warranted.

Correct Answer: (D)

By demonstrating that there are non-toxic, equally effective, and comparably priced alternatives, option (D) most strongly supports the consumer advocate’s proposal to ban toxic ingredients in household cleaners.