Wingspread Conference on the Precautionary Principle.

Author: Science and Environmental Health Network.

Source: Science and Environmental Health Network.

Year: 1998

Comment:

At an international conference involving scientists, lawyers, policy makers, and environmentalists from the United States, Canada and Europe, a formalized statement was signed and became known as the “Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle.” In it, the following advice is given: “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof.”  Obviously, this can be related to dental amalgam fillings.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Last weekend at an historic gathering at Wingspread, headquarters of the Johnson Foundation, scientists, philosophers, lawyers and environmental activists, reached agreement on the necessity of the Precautionary Principle in public health and environmental decision-making. The key element of the principle is that it incites us to take anticipatory action in the absence of scientific certainty. At the conclusion of the three-day conference, the diverse group issued a statement calling for government, corporations, communities and scientists to implement the “precautionary principle” in making decisions. “

Citation:

Science and Environmental Health Network.  Wingspread Conference on the Precautionary Principle. January 26, 1998.  http://www.sehn.org/wing.html.