Figure 5-8 Consider a Chemical Plant That Discharges Toxic

Figure 5-8 Consider a chemical plant that discharges toxic fumes over a nearby community. To reduce the emissions of toxic fumes the firm can install pollution abatement devices. Figure 5-8 shows the marginal benefit and the marginal cost from reducing the toxic fumes emissions.
-Refer to Figure 5-8. Suppose the emissions reduction target is currently established at 8 million tons. Should society undertake to reduce an additional 1 million tons so that the total reduction is 9 million tons?

A) No, because there is a net cost represented by the area B + C.
B) Yes, because the marginal benefit exceeds the marginal costs.
C) Yes, because toxic fumes are dangerous and must be eliminated at any cost.
D) No, because the firms will pass the additional cost on to consumers.