Environmental Exposures and Cancer: Using the Precautionary Principle

The Precautionary Principle and Environmental Breast Cancer Research

The precautionary principle implies the need for research paradigms that contribute to “strength of the evidence” assessments of the plausibility of health effects when scientific uncertainty is likely to persist and prevention is the underlying goal. Previous discussions of science that informs precautionary decision-making are augmented by examining three activist-initiated breast cancer and ...

The Precautionary Principle in Sustainable Environmental Management

The precautionary principle in environmental science.

Environmental scientists play a key role in society's responses to environmental problems, and many of the studies they perform are intended ultimately to affect policy. The precautionary principle, proposed as a new guideline in environmental decision making, has four central components: taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty; shifting the burden of proof to the proponents of an a...

The precautionary principle and environmental policy: science, uncertainty, and sustainability.

n matters of personal health, prevention and precaution are widely recognized " best practices. " Policymakers are eager to endorse suggestions that we exercise or eat more fiber, or avoid tobacco and alcohol. Policies governing the release of toxic chemicals into the environment have not reflected similar common sense and foresight. However , there are some positive signs that this is changing...

The Precautionary Principle , Knowledge Uncertainty , and Environmental Assessment

Introduction It was only recently, about fifteen years ago, that the “precautionary principle” rose to international prominence in environmental policy making. Loosely formulated, the principle states that if there is an indication that a certain activity may be harmful to humans or the environment, that activity should be abandoned. The principle provides politicians with the possibility to in...