This country does not need any more restrictions on pollution. In fact, we should abolish those that are currently on the books. In spite of various restrictions, pollution levels have actually increased over the past 40 years. Most importantly, dramatic statistics show that, as pollution levels have increased over this period, the general health of the population has improved rather than deteriorated.
Which one of the following assertions, if true, provides the most effective challenge to the author’s conclusion?
(A) The general health of this country’s population has improved over the past 40 years primarily because of new advances in medicine and nutrition, not because of pollution. Correct.
(B) There are several countries in the world in which there have been no restrictions on pollution over the past 40 years, and pollution levels have actually increased. Not Correct.
Exp: If no restriction is imposed on pollution, then pollution will be increased. This is common and it does not mention any public health issue.
(C) Similar statistics show that, in several countries, the general health of the population has improved over the past 40 years, while pollution levels have actually decreased. Not correct.
Exp: It mentions that the general health of the population has improved over the past 40 years,
because of what?
(D) Pollution levels would have increased even more than they have and the general health of the population would not have improved as much as it has without the restrictions that have been on the books. Not correct.
Exp: This is general truth.
(E) In the period prior to the past 40 years, pollution restrictions were nonexistent in this country and the general health of the population improved at a far slower rate than it did during the past 40 years. Not correct.
Exp: It supports the conclusion.
Answer: A