Optimal pollution levels are not zero, except in the case of extremely toxic agents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Optimal pollution levels are not zero because completely eliminating pollution would require stopping most industrial activities and transportation, which is impractical and would lead to significant economic and social costs. The goal is to balance the costs of pollution control with the benefits of reducing pollution to achieve an optimal level, except for extremely toxic agents where the tolerance for pollution might indeed be zero due to severe health and environmental risks.

Optimal Pollution Levels Are Not Zero, Except in the Case