What is the Precautionary Principle?
The precautionary principle, a term in use since 1988, expresses the idea that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In other words, if the consequences of an action are unknown, but are judged to have potential for major or irreversible negative consequences, then it is better to avoid that action. In practice, the principle is most often applied to considerations of the impact of new technology on the environment.
The idea of precaution has been handed down to us in the form of maxims, such as “a stitch in time saves nine,” or “better safe than sorry,” or “look before you leap.” The Precautionary Principle says that if there is a possibility of harm (instead of scientifically proven certainty of harm) to human health or the environment from a substance or activity, precautionary measures should be taken; the proponent of the activity should be required to prove that the activity is safe, rather than the public being required to prove that it is hazardous, the victims having to prove what has harmed them. More on the precautionary principle.
The Precautionary Principle is a new way of making decisions that better protect the environment and human health. The Precautionary Principle basically says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If a practice poses threats to human health or serious environmental damage, the Precautionary Principle uses the best available science to identify cost-effective measures that would prevent harm.
A. The 1998 Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle summarizes the principle this way: When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. All statements of the Precautionary Principle contain a version of this formula: When the health of humans and the environment is at stake, it may not be necessary to wait for scientific certainty to take protective action.
The precautionary principle is a tool for making better health and environmental decisions. It aims to prevent harm from the outset rather than manage it after the fact. One useful way to define the precautionary principle was developed in 1998 by a group of scientists, environmental activists, government officials, lawyers, and labor representatives at the Wingspread conference center in Wisconsin: “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.” [Full Wingspread Statement.] In common language, this means “better safe than sorry.” It calls for a careful analysis of alternatives using the best independent science. When evidence of harm exists, the precautionary principle compels us to err on the side of caution – as anyone would do with the their own health or their children’s safety. Devra Davis makes this comment on the wisdom of pr
