Precautionary Principle

Simple Definition

The Precautionary Principle is a defined criterion that may prompt decision-makers to take action in situations where a health or ecological hazard is believed to exist as a possibility, although the exact probability of the suspected hazard is imperfectly understood. Since the language was first detailed at a United Nations environmental conference, there have been efforts to transform the language and the intent, creating various formulations that require more aggressive action and change the burden of proof.

Critics of the Precautionary Principle, and some of its more extreme versions, note that its application can be used to block innovation; that is to say, a new technology or invention that has the potential to provide great benefits may be banned by the precautionary principle because of its potential for negative impacts, leaving the positive benefits unrealized. The precautionary principle has been ethically questioned on the basis that its application could block progress in developing countries.

Advanced Definition

The general concepts underpinning the Precautionary Principle, or a precautionary approach to chemicals management, are captured in a number of cautionary aphorisms, such as “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” “better safe than sorry,” and “look before you leap.” The Principle itself applies when considerable scientific uncertainties exist, and the potential for harm is sufficiently serious or even irreversible, suggesting the need for immediate action.

The Precautionary Principle is a determination criterion that may prompt decision-makers to take action in situations where a health or ecological hazard is believed to exist as a possibility, although the exact probability of the suspected hazard is imperfectly understood.

The concept of the Precautionary Principle originated in Europe in the 1970s, but was formally developed as an approach to the regulation of chemicals as Principle 15 in the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. That language was later amended to include health impacts and reaffirmed at the 2002 Johannesburg Summit in the Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD):

In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.“

Since that time, this clear definition has been ignored by some and re-cast as a much more severe, restrictive approach that would limit all chemicals unless it can be affirmatively proven that they can be used safely in every application.

Critics of the Precautionary Principle note that its application can be used to block innovation; that is to say, a new technology or invention that has the potential to provide great benefits may be banned by the precautionary principle because of its potential for negative impacts, leaving the positive benefits unrealized. The Precautionary Principle has been ethically questioned on the basis that its application could block progress in developing countries.

The chemical industry believes that precautionary measures should be risk-based and cost-effective. Additionally, the selected chemicals management measures should be:

  • Proportional to the objective being pursued.
  • Provisional (i.e., potentially reversible if subsequent information indicates that the measures are unnecessary to protect health and/or the environment).
  • The least burdensome option that provides adequate protection from the risk.

Expanded Definition

For further information and perspectives on the Precautionary Principle and precautionary approaches to chemical management, you may want to read these materials:

Environmental Risk Management in New Zealand
Precautionary principle: origin, definitions and interpretation
http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/research-policy/ppp/2006/06-06/05.htm

Does the Precautionary Principle Point us in any Helpful Direction?
The Paralyzing Principle
http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/regulation/2002/12/v25n4-9.pdf

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