Precautionary Principle Essay

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“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. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof. The process of applying the precautionary principle must be open, informed and democratic and must include potentially affected parties. It must also involve an examination of the full range of alternatives, including no action.”- Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle, Jan. 1998. The principle applies to the environment and human health. As humans we are responsible to protect and restore the global ecosystems in which life is depends on. The precautionary principle helps us determine if we need to take action before science dictates or assume what harm could occur. History has shown that while assumptions were made about health risks, science wasn’t able to make an exact determination before disease and death. The precautionary principle loses its affect if it only results in bans or moratoriums. The development of clean technologies, placing burden of truth on an activity instead of victims or potential victims, and determining goals geared towards protecting health and the environment are all methods in addition to precautionary principles. The effects of harmful activities have multiplied over the years. The Earth and its ecosystems have a limited capacity to overcome all of these activities. Chronic diseases and conditions have affected many men, women, and children. Cancer, infertility, diabetes, developmental disabilities, and birth defects are only a few examples of conditions that can possibly be related to the ill effects of human activity. Attempts have been made to try and protect our society. In 1996 The Food Quality and Protection Act

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