Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow

"When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically."

Precautionary Principle

Based on the Precautionary Principle, Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow is a coalition of citizens, scientists, health professionals, workers, and educators seeking preventive action on toxic hazards.   Founded by the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, Clean Water Action and University of Massachusetts at Lowell, there are currently over 130 organizations in the Alliance and over one thousand individual members.   Our goal is to correct fundamental flaws in government policies that allow harm to our health and environment.  

Flaw #1 Potential toxins are not usually tested for safety before use.

Flaw #2 The government usually takes action only after harm is proven and widespread

Flaw #3 Certain levels of harm are accepted and allowed by government authorities

Flaw #4 Power special interests obstruct government action to protect our health.

In our work with the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow we have identified four actions in response to the policy flaws we've recognized.  

Act on Early Warnings
The government has a duty to act to prevent harm when there is credible evidence that harm is occurring or is likely to occur-even when the exact nature and magnitude of the harm is not proven.

Choose and Create the Safest Alternatives
Government decision-making processes must evaluate a full range of alternatives, and must require the safest feasible alternative. Government should support innovation and promote technologies, materials and solutions that create a healthier environment.

Not Assume Safety
Manufacturers have a responsibility to show that they are using the safest alternative to meet a specific need. The potential for harm should be thoroughly studied before a new chemical or technology is used, rather than assuming it is harmless until proven otherwise. Research on the impacts of chemicals and technologies should be conducted or verified by independent third parties.

Base Decisions on Science & Democracy
Government decisions should be based on independent scientific information and meaningful citizen participation. They must place a higher priority on protecting health and the environment than on the economic interests of a particular industry. The decision-making process should represent public values, protect the rights of potential victims, and be insulated from interference by narrow, special interests.

For more information about toxins in our environment, click here.

back to top