Wood smoke contains dangerous toxins that cause changes in human cells. Because wood smoke presents such a high health risk, legislation is needed to regulate the use of open-air fires and wood-burning stoves.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument above?
(A) The amount of dangerous toxins contained in wood smoke is much less than the amount contained in an equal volume of automobile exhaust.
(B) Within the jurisdiction covered by the proposed legislation, most heating and cooking is done with oil or natural gas.
(C) Smoke produced by coal-burning stoves is significantly more toxic than smoke from wood-burning stoves.
(D) No significant beneficial effect on air quality would result if open-air fires were banned within the jurisdiction covered by the proposed legislation.
(E) In valleys where wood is used as the primary heating fuel, the concentration of smoke results in poor air quality.
OG11
Argument Construction
Situation
Wood smoke is hazardous, so restrictive legislation is needed.
Reasoning
Which point supports the need for legislation? The argument for legislation is based on the position that wood smoke is hazardous to people’s health. Any evidence of physical harm resulting from wood smoke supports the argument that legislation is needed. Undoubtedly, poor air quality caused by a high concentration of wood smoke presents just such a health risk.
(A) If wood smoke were as dangerous as car exhaust, this might support the idea of regulating it just as exhaust emissions are regulated; but this statement tells us it is less dangerous.
(B) This point suggests less of a need for legislation.
(C) This information provides no support for the idea that the use of wood-burning stoves should be regulated.
(D) The lack of benefit from banning open-air fires is a point against the legislation.
(E) Correct. This supports the argument in favor of legislation.
The correct answer is E.