The Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation for regulating chemicals came into force in the EU in June 2007. This framework is stricter and more precautionary than its counterpart in the USA -- the Toxic Substances Control Act -- in that it requires data...

In public decision making about uncertain technological hazards, the precautionary principle calls for prompt protective action rather than delay of protections until scientific uncertainty is resolved. The precautionary principle has a sound basis in decision theory, particularly in situations...

In this short comment, we make three points. First, replacing one chemical with another should be seen as only one of a portfolio of tools to manage the risks of existing chemicals. Substitution is preferable when it offers attractive benefits (relative to costs and risks) compared to the...