Prescribing Precaution: The Status and Role of the Precautionary Principle in the Regulation of Nanobiotechnology

Abstract:     
The precautionary principle has evolved from a general guiding theme in European environmental policy to an important principle of European Law. Its influence can be seen impacting the regulation of environmental health and safety as well as the regulation of risks associated with science and technology. Despite the perceived benefits of nanobiotechnology, there have been increasing calls for governments and other stakeholders to evaluate the adequacy of current health and safety regimes to effectively regulate current and anticipated applications. The debate on the role of precaution and the managing of potential risks of nanobiotechnology is thus becoming increasingly relevant.

Keywords: nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine, precautionary principle, risk, regulation, labelling, definitions

JEL Classification: K32

working papers series