The Precautionary Principle and Unnecessary Precautionary Action

摘要: Claims that a specific chemical, technology or activity is false negative positive are often made and used as an argument either for against the application of Precautionary Principle in future. False positives could be defined risks where actions were taken face incomplete knowledge on basis precautionary approach later turned out to unnecessary. The purpose this study identify analyze these learn lessons from past can valuable future regulatory decision-making regarding human health environment. environmental literature was examined proclaimed “false positives” said diverting scarce resources real even worse creating new more problematic risks. This review narrowed down seen light today’s recognized uncertainty. Four cases identified: Southern Corn Leaf Blight, Swine Flu affair, saccharin, food irradiation relation consumer health. identified analysed when why initially taken, it realized believed risk what overall socio-economic costs benefits were. shows actual number very limited great deal mentioned not positives”, but fall into wide variety different categories. Seen public perspective, generally did have impact, negative. From perspective mostly industry directly affected by action, impact always since sparked innovation within industry, science government. leads conclusion fear reasonable Principle.