Law
The Precautionary Principle in Regulating Emerging Contaminants like Nanomaterials
Quick fact
Regulators in the EU and elsewhere have applied the precautionary principle to restrict or require safety data for certain nanomaterials, even though no definitive human harm has yet been proven—a striking departure from the traditional need for evidence of harm before action.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard of 'better safe than sorry', but what if a new technology could harm you in ways science hasn't even measured yet? Should we wait for proof of harm before stepping back, or should we act on the mere possibility?