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  • June 2010 (Revised February 2013)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

The Precautionary Principle

By: Michael W. Toffel and Nazli Z. Uludere Aragon
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:24
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Abstract

This note describes the precautionary principle and its key tenets, highlights challenges associated with its use, and includes many examples of its application, primarily within the realm of regulating activities based on the risk of harm to human health and the environment. Appendices provide detailed examples of how the precautionary principle has been applied to regulations in three key industries: agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Describes various forms of the precautionary principle, its widespread adoption in international agreements, its distinction from cost-benefit analysis, its shift of the burden of proving that activities are safe from regulators to industry, and the importance of considering Type I and Type II errors and status quo bias when contemplating whether to evoke the precautionary principle.

Keywords

Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Policy; Health Disorders; Business and Government Relations; Safety; Natural Environment; Pollutants; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Chemical Industry; Pharmaceutical Industry

Citation

Toffel, Michael W., and Nazli Z. Uludere Aragon. "The Precautionary Principle." Harvard Business School Background Note 610-043, June 2010. (Revised February 2013.)
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About The Author

Michael W. Toffel

Technology and Operations Management
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Related Work

    • June 2010 (Revised February 2013)
    • Faculty Research

    The Precautionary Principle

    By: Michael W. Toffel and Nazli Z. Uludere Aragon
Related Work
  • The Precautionary Principle By: Michael W. Toffel and Nazli Z. Uludere Aragon
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