Final answer:
The irrational behavior of a father smoking yet throwing out teething rings due to phthalates is likely unrelated to voluntariness of exposure; it might be due to perceived control, familiarity with the risk, and fear appeal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that would not explain the seemingly irrational behavior of a father who smokes (a high risk factor for baby) throwing away his baby's teething rings that may contain phthalates (seemingly low risk factor for baby) is voluntariness of exposure. The father's decision to smoke is a voluntary action, and as an adult, he has control over this behavior. Smoking is a known high risk factor for babies, including increases in the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), lower birth weights, and developmental issues. However, his decision to remove the teething rings is likely based on an overestimation of the risk of phthalates compared to the familiar and voluntary nature of smoking, as well as a sense of heightened protection for his child from external risks.
Perceived control, familiarity with the risk, and fear appeal are factors that might explain the behavior. These can cause individuals to underestimate familiar risks or overreact to unfamiliar ones.