"The precautionary principles (PP) is thought by many to be a useful strategy for action and by many others useless at best and dangerous at worst. We argue that it is a coherent and useful principle. We first clarify the principle and then defend it against a number of common criticisms. Three examples from nanotechnology are used: nanoparticles and possible health and environmental problems, grey goo and the potential for catastrophe, and privacy riks generated by nanoelectronics."

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