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.

Environmental contaminants and children's health: Cause for concern, time for action

“…Moreover, demand by industrial interests for scientific proof of direct causal association has resulted in long delays in the introduction of controls or withdrawal of some substances shown to be toxic. Those interested in further information on risk assessment are referred to Enivronmental Health Risk Management: A Primer for Canadians (97), Environment Standard Setting and Children's Health (the recent report of the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Ontario College of Family Physicians) (100) and a recent series of articles on the topic (98,99,(101)(102)(103)(104)(105)(106). Risk assessment certainly has a place in the regulatory process and must continue, but society currently needs policies that are more responsive to early warning signs.…”

Desenvolvimento e validação de metodologia analítica para determinação de disruptores endócrinos resultantes de atividades antrópicas nas águas da região do Rio Paraíba do Sul,SP

“…Juntamente com a evolução no processo produtivo ocorreu o crescimento populacional, com consequente aumento na demanda agrícola e nas áreas urbanas, e maior consumismo. Outro fato marcante para o aumento na introdução de compostos químicos artificiais no ambiente ocorreu após a Segunda Guerra Mundial, pelo desejo de impulsionar o desenvolvimento das indústrias, proteger a saúde pública e produzir mais e melhores culturas (Ramlogan, 1997;El Shahawi et al, 2010 (Binetti et al, 2008;Lyons et al, 2000). (Colborn et al 2002;Colborn et al 1993 (Bila e Dezotti, 2007;Colborn et al, 2002).…”