An environmentalist's vision of operationalizing the precautionary principle in the management of chemicals

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.