Which among the following is not included in the list of fundamental canons a professional engineer should follow?

• A. Engineers should hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
• B. Engineers should perform services only in areas of their competence.
• C. Engineers should avoid issuing public statements.
• D. None of these

Answer: (C)

In professional engineering ethics, the fundamental canons guide conduct to protect the public, ensure competence, and require honest communication. Holding safety, health, and welfare of the public paramount is a clear canon, and engineers must work only within their areas of competence. The canon about public statements actually requires that any statements issued be objective and truthful. Saying to avoid issuing public statements is not a canon and conflicts with the obligation to communicate truthfully and based on evidence when informing the public. Therefore, the statement about avoiding public statements is not included in the list of fundamental canons.