Late lessons from early warnings: the precautionary principle 1896-2000
European Environment Agency, Copenhagen
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities - Luxembourg
2001
212 p.
asbestos ; benzene ; bovine spongiform encephalopathy ; case study ; environment ; GMO ; health ; hormones ; precautionary principle ; risk assessment ; sulfur dioxide ; trade policy
Environmental Issue Report
22
Environment
English
Bibliogr.;Charts
92-9157-323-4
"The report examines how the concept of precaution has been applied – or not – by policy-makers over the past century when addressing a broad range of hazards linked to public health and the environment in Europe and North America. It should help to improve mutual understanding between Europe and the United States on the use of the precautionary principle in policy-making. The debate has been marked by disputes over the safety of synthetic hormones in beef and of genetically modified plants and foods. It also is about gathering information on the hazards raised by human economic activities and its use in taking action to protect better the environment and the health of the species and ecosystems that are dependent on it. The study aims to contribute to better and more accessible science-based information and more effective stakeholder participation in the governance of economic activity so as to help minimise environmental and health costs and maximise innovation."
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