EHSC Discussion Note on Pragmatic Precaution

The RSC has been a strong proponent of the use of risk assessment in the regulatory control of chemicals. Since the RSC has been very critical of the adequacy of hazard-based decision making, the perception may exist that it is opposed to the 'Precautionary Principle'. This discussion Note attempts to clarify the RSC view on this issue and to provide a rationale for the use of the 'Precautionary Principle'.