The environmental health arena

Full Answer Section The precautionary principle states that "where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." In the case of hexavalent chromium, the BAAQMD concluded that there was sufficient evidence of the chemical's carcinogenicity to warrant a ban, even though there was some uncertainty about the extent of the risk. The BAAQMD's policy on hexavalent chromium has been praised by environmental groups, who argue that it is an example of the precautionary principle being used to protect public health. However, the policy has also been criticized by some businesses, who argue that it is too restrictive and will harm the economy. Source: San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District: https://www.baaqmd.gov/ The precautionary principle is a key concept in environmental policy, and it has been used to justify a variety of measures to protect human health and the environment. In the case of the BAAQMD's policy on hexavalent chromium, the precautionary principle was used to justify a ban on a chemical that was known to be carcinogenic, even though there was some uncertainty about the extent of the risk. This is an example of how the precautionary principle can be used to protect public health even in the face of scientific uncertainty.

Sample Answer Here is a local situation in the Bay Area, California where environmental policy has been influenced by the precautionary principle: The San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is a regional agency that regulates air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2007, the BAAQMD adopted a policy that banned the use of hexavalent chromium in consumer products. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen, and the BAAQMD's policy was based on the precautionary principle