alpha, beta Mannitone, a new industrial material with unknown benefits and risks

The example is given of a new, incompletely characterized material about which information is currently incomplete. alpha, beta-Mannitone is made from old automobile tires by a secret process; it is not known whether worker exposure will occur during its production; and it is proposed for use as a substitute for petrol. The risks and benefits of this hypothetical substance must be weighed. The problems associated with such an evaluation are listed in the form of questions.