2007 Oceans to Stars Lecture Series

A Precautionary Approach to Protect Health

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT
Director and Founder
of the Institute of Neurotoxicology
and Neurological Disorders
and
Affiliate Associate Professor
Department of Environmental
and Occupational Health Sciences
University of Washington

May 31, 2007


Download the slide presentation accompanying this talk

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Introduction

The precautionary assessment of environmental risks incorporates both scientific evaluations, such as quantitative estimates of chemical exposures, and ethics of the precautionary principle, such as the duty to prevent disease and promote human and environmental health, even in the absence of scientific certainty. While an advantage of traditional risk assessment is mathematical simplicity, a corresponding disadvantage is neglect of complex issues such as equity. How can the classical risk assessment approach be augmented by a precautionary approach to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of hazards? This talk will present ways that a precautionary assessment can more effectively protect and promote environmental and human health, especially for children.

“Environmental health is state that ensures that all living things have the best opportunity to reach and maintain their full genetic potential.”
Steven G. Gilbert, 1999


About the speaker

Steven G. Gilbert, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., is Director and Founder of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders. He is an Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. Dr. Gilbert’s research has focused on neurobehavioral effects of low-level exposure to lead and mercury on the developing nervous system. His book, A Small Dose of Toxicology - The Health Effects of Common Chemicals was published in 2004. Dr. Gilbert consults and lectures on issues related to toxicology, drug development and bioethics. He is particularly interested in making toxicology and biomedical research accessible to the public and policy makers.

For more information see:
www.asmalldoseof.org
www.toxipedia.org

See a reading list (.pdf file) of books relevant to this series.

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