The precautionary principle has often been portrayed either as anti-science or as a risk-management principle that is implemented only after objective scientific enquiry takes place. Neither of these views are correct. Precautionary decision-making requires that all available scientific information be used in the decision-making process and that scientists and decision-makers alike honestly discuss uncertainty (what is known, not known, and what cannot be known). We argue that the current focus (questions asked) and methods of scientific inquiry (ways in which questions are answered) are often not precautionary, and work against action in the face of uncertainty. For example, environmental science often focuses on single disciplines and individual risk factors, losing track of complex interactions and a systems level perspective. Also, uncertainties of different types are either ignored or reduced to a single number and important “qualitative” data are lost in single risk numbers. Our current selection of scientific tools and the way in which they are used may not be sufficiently refined to deal with some of the complex multi-generational environmental issues being faced by decision-makers today. The presentation presents some of the insights from discussions held amongst a small group of Massachusetts Scientists and argues that a new vision for environmental health science is needed. This vision would expand the questions (scope of inquiry) in environmental health research and involve cross-disciplinary analyses and collaborations, as well as a greater focus on uncertainties and integration of qualitative information and expert judgment in decision-making.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.