An Environmentalist's Vision of Operationalizing the Precautionary Principle in the Management of Chemicals

Abstract

In Europe and elsewhere, there is compelling evidence that humans, wildlife, and the environment are being damaged by man-made chemicals. Recognizing that regulatory initiatives are needed to try to prevent harm before it occurs in the future, the precautionary principle has become a focus of attention on both sides of the Atlantic. The authors suggest a way to implement the precautionary principle in the management of chemicals, outlining how this guiding principle can be given a practical relevance within regulatory initiatives to reduce the risks posed by chemicals currently traded in the European Union and elsewhere.

Keywords:

• precautionary principle
• chemicals management
• legislation
• overarching principle
• comparative assessment
• substitution principle