Integrated environmental and health protection: Implementation of the precautionary principle

This paper discusses the main difficulties in implementing the precautionary principle in policy decisions. Precaution is a fundamental principle in integrated environmental and health protection. The essential elements of a scientific research programme, which could support the implementation of the precautionary principle in the environmental and health fields, are delineated. Three case studies ranging from chemical substance safety, genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the environment and food chain, and air quality (PM10) management are presented and conclusions are drawn regarding the elements of a precautionary policy frame based on sound scientific input and extensive dialogue with all concerned stakeholders.