What is The Precautionary Principle?

Why it is so important - Your questions answered (cont.)

by Puja Thomson, December 08, 2008

Since 1998, when a group of world-renowned scientists, philosophers, lawyers, policy makers and environmental activists hammered out a working definition, SEHN, The Science and Environmental Health Network, has been the leading proponent in the United States of the Precautionary Principle as a new basis for environmental and public health policy. SEHN engages communities and governments in the effective application of science to protect and restore public and ecosystem health at local and state levels. The concept includes risk prevention, cost effectiveness, ethical responsibility towards maintaining the integrity of natural systems, and the fallibility of human understanding.
www.sehn.org/

In Europe the precautionary principle is well recognized as a guiding principle with regard to health. For example toxic toys containing lead from China and cosmetics containing Phthalates (a family of industrial chemicals that mimic the female hormone estrogen causing a variety of potential health problems for men, women and children) are banned by the European Union.

Do you think the American government has protected us in this way- NO! We have to be our own watchdogs! There are over 85,000 synthetic chemicals approved for sale in the US but less than 10% have been tested for their effects on the human body.

We can check the labels on anything that goes on our skin or into our mouths, and refuse to buy products that have been unleashed on the market without adequate testing as to their safety and the harm they might cause or with known carcinogens. At the same time we can follow a good diet, exercise, and take time to reduce our stress levels, all of which are now known to contribute to health without harm.

Since we can’t do it all, we can individually bring about change by aligning ourselves with the “precautionary principle” in a specific area we care about. For example, if you are concerned about the amount of pollution going into our ground water, you can join one of the new organizations that are cropping up, such as Ban Pesticides in Ulster County, a local initiative to bring awareness of the wide range of chemicals and pesticides used in our local lawns, yards and farms. www.myspace.com/banpesticides

Or if you are concerned about the possible negative effects of electric magnetic radiation with increasing cell phone use even among adults and particularly children, you can find out more about the issue, for example http://emfsafety.emf411.com/ and see if what you learn is in alignment with the “Precautionary Principle” or contact a local Bio-Pro representative such as Kathy Connors at mamabearkathy@hvc.rr.com

Your own personal involvement with the Precautionary Principle might take other directions. What’s important is the affirmation that we are all, humans and non-humans, in this together on this one small planet. Individual health springs from, and is wholly dependent upon, the health of the world around us. Issuing change on global level may seem overwhelming, but even a tiny voice is louder than silence.

FIRST DO NO HARM


The 2008 revised edition of Puja Thomson's CD and Workbook, "ROOTS & WINGS for Strength and Freedom - Guided imagery and meditations to transform your life" is now available. With Puja's calm resonant voice and Richard Shulman's inspired evocative music, heal you past, renew and redirect your life. Then deepen your experience using the workbook's personal response pages, questions for reflection and creative insights.

Puja Thomson is also author of "After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing" - a step-by-step guide www.rootsnwings.com and www.aftershockfromcancer.com