Trichloroethylene is a clear, nonflammable liquid commonly used as a solvent for a variety of organic materials. It was first introduced in the 1920s and widely used for industrial purposes until the 1970s. At that point, suspicions arose that trichloroethylene could be toxic. After many years of scientific debate, the EPA concluded in 2011 that trichloroethylene is a carcinogen. This shows that, between the 1920s and 2011,
A) the perceived risk of trichloroethylene was higher than the subjective risk.
B) the perceived risk of trichloroethylene was lower than the subjective risk.
C) the objective risk of trichloroethylene was higher than the subjective risk.
D) the objective risk of trichloroethylene remained the same.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The objective risk of trichloroethylene, its inherent carcinogenic properties, remained constant from the 1920s to 2011; what changed was the understanding and recognition of this risk.

Trichloroethylene Is a Clear, Nonflammable Liquid Commonly Used as a Solvent