11 Articulate the key elements of the precautionary principl

11. Articulate the key elements of the precautionary principle as it is invoked in environmental health and describe some practical policy tools that reflect a precautionary mindset.

Solution

The precautionary principle is also known as precautionary approach for risk management to suspect the risk of causing harm to the public/environment. In many countries, the precautionary principle is the fundamental principle of environmental regulation. Programmes and precautionary measures are applied at state and at local level in the US.

The Principle defined as \"when any influential activity raising threats/ harm to human health or the environment, the precautionary measures should be taken against that action even if some effect and cause relationships are not established scientifically. Few key elements of the Precautionary Principle are as follows:

    1. Anticipatory Action: There is a duty to take anticipatory action that can cause harm to public/ environment. Everybody is responsible for this duty whether Government boy, business firm, and community groups or general public.

2. Right to Know: Every member of the community has a right to know accurate and information on potential human health and environmental impacts associated with the selection of services, products, services, plan or operations.

3. Alternatives Assessment: Assessment is done for any action to check their minimal effect of public and environment

4. Full Cost Accounting: Short-and long-term benefits and time thresholds should be considered when making decisions. There is a duty to consider all reasonably costs such as including raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, disposal, health cost, uses, clean-up, eventual disposal even if such costs are not reflected in the initial price. Short-and long-term benefits and time thresholds should be considered when making decisions.

5. Participatory Decision Process: Precautionary Principle should be transparent participatory, and informed.