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Reenergizing public health through precaution

Author

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  • Kriebel, D.
  • Tickner, J.

Abstract

The precautionary principle has provoked a spirited debate among environmentalists worldwide, but it is equally relevant to public health and shares much with primary prevention. Its central components are (1) taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty; (2) shifting the burden of proof to the proponents of an activity; (3) exploring a wide range of alternatives to possibly harmful actions; and (4) increasing public participation in decision making. Precaution is relevant to public health, because it can help to prevent unintended consequences of well-intentioned public health interventions by ensuring a more thorough assessment of the problems and proposed solutions. It can also be a positive force for change. Three aspects are stressed: promoting the search for safer technologies, encouraging greater democracy and openness in public health policy, and stimulating reevaluation of the methods of public health science.

Suggested Citation

  • Kriebel, D. & Tickner, J., 2001. "Reenergizing public health through precaution," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(9), pages 1351-1355.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2001:91:9:1351-1355_2
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    Cited by:

    1. Rachel Morello-Frosch & Manuel Pastor JR & James Sadd, 2002. "Integrating Environmental Justice and the Precautionary Principle in Research and Policy Making: The Case of Ambient Air Toxics Exposures and Health Risks among Schoolchildren in Los Angeles," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 584(1), pages 47-68, November.
    2. Kumanan Wilson & Blair Leonard & Robert Wright & Ian Graham & John Moffet & Michael Pluscauskas & Michael Wilson, 2006. "Application of the Precautionary Principle by Senior Policy Officials: Results of a Canadian Survey," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(4), pages 981-988, August.

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