Implications of the Precautionary Principle for research and policy making

The Precautionary Principle has recently been formally introduced into national and international law. The key element is the justification for acting in the face of uncertainty. The Precautionary Principle is thereby a tool for avoiding possible future harm associated with suspected, but not conclusive, environmental risks. Accordingly, the burden of proof is shifted from demonstrating the presence of risk to demonstrating the absence of risk. Past experience shows the costly consequences of disregarding early warnings about environmental hazards. Today, the need for applying the Precautionary Principle is even greater. New research is needed to expand current insight into disease causation, to elucidate the full scope of potential adverse implications resulting from environmental pollutants, and to identify opportunities for prevention. Research approaches should be developed and strengthened to counteract innate ideological biases and to support our confidence in applying the Precautionary Principle for decision-making in the public policy arena.