Resources on the Precautionary Principle and its Applications

A number of the member organizations of the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition embrace the Precautionary Principle in their work on environmental and health issues.

"Where threats of serious or irreversible harm to people or nature exist, anticipatory action will be taken to prevent damages to human and environmental health, even when full scientific certainty about cause and effect is not available, with the intent of safeguarding the quality of life for current and future generations."
from the Wingspread Statement 1998

The precautionary principle includes the following key components:

1. Taking anticipatory action to prevent harm in the face of scientific uncertainty.
2. Exploring alternatives, including the alternative of "no action."
3. Considering the full cost of environmental and health impacts over time.
4. Increasing public participation in decision-making.
5. Shifting responsibility for providing evidence of safety to proponents of an activity.

Useful Resources on the Precautionary Principle & Its Applications

Talking Precaution: Messaging Tips and Talking Points for Precautionary Action
2006 report by the smartMeme Collective  pdf file (244 kb)

Resource Guide on Precaution - from the First National Conference on Precaution, June 9-11, 2006 pdf file (312 kb)

Be Safe Precautionary Policy Clearinghouse
precautionary-based laws, policies, local ordinances and industry agreements on a range of issues; updated monthly

The Precautionary Principle: Reasonable, Rational, and Responsible -- Using examples from modern life (chemicals in breast milk, toxic lead in paint, fetal alcohol syndrome, and toxic flame retardants), toxicologist Steve Gilbert presents five common elements to a precautionary approach.
link to article in Rachel's Precaution Reporter Dec 2005

First National Conference on Precaution, held June 9-11, 2006 in Baltimore
Conference Proceedings (including many PowerPoint presentations)
http://www.besafenet.com/ppconf_proceedings.html#plen4

Additional Resources on the Washington Toxics Coalition web site

Discussion Groups and e-Newsletters

CHE-WA Precautionary Principle Work Group - a Seattle-based working group on the precautionary principle

Rachel's Precautionary Reporter

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