Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle
"The release and use of toxic substances, the exploitation of
resources, and physical alterations of the environment have had
substantial unintended consequences affecting human health and
the environment. Some of these concerns are high rates of learning
deficiencies, asthma, cancer, birth defects and species extinctions,
along with global climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion
and worldwide contamination with toxic substances and nuclear
materials.
We believe existing environmental regulations and other decisions,
particularly those based on risk assessment, have failed to protect
adequately human health and the environment, the larger system
of which humans are but a part.
We believe there is compelling evidence that damage to humans
and the worldwide environment is of such magnitude and seriousness
that new principles for conducting human activities are necessary.
While we realize that human activities may involve hazards,
people must proceed more carefully than has been the case in recent
history. Corporations, government entities, organizations, communities,
scientists and other individuals must adopt a precautionary approach
to all human endeavors.
Therefore, it is necessary to implement the Precautionary Principle:
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.
The process of applying the Precautionary Principle must be
open, informed and democratic and must include potentially affected
parties. It must also involve an examination of the full range
of alternatives, including no action."
