Search Results (91)

A global debate is underway about how to achieve economic growth, which has led to a push for even greater ‘better regulation’ than already exists in the US and UK, including Scotland. ‘Better regulation’ can include softer regulation, less regulation, or even deregulation. Another regulatory model involves the precautionary principle and there is tension between the two. The ‘better regulation agenda’ has influenced the environmental quality standards adopted for emamectin benzoate in Scottish sea lice treatment. To explore how these complex regulatory models have been used or advocated for and why over 25 years, a process tracing analysis focusing on Scottish Government and Parliament web entries was conducted. Such an analysis has both strengths, providing new perspectives, and weaknesses, regarding the possible quality and extent of information available. The results reveal the ‘better regulation’ model in practice was initially adopted in the 2000s, supported by Scottish Government advisors and implemented by its regulators. Gradually, however, the model was challenged, at times, by researchers, regulators, Members of the Scottish Parliament, environmental non-governmental organizations, and by investigative journalists. This resulted in new environmental quality standards on emamectin benzoate being proposed, then sometimes tightened or blocked. Hence, ‘better regulation’ remains highly influential in the sector, with the fish farming industry able to weaken precautionary policies and enforcement in practice, directly and indirectly. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained significant attention due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential adverse health effects. While ingestion, especially through contaminated drinking water, is considered the primary route of human exposure, recent research suggests that other pathways, such as inhalation and dermal absorption, also play a significant role. This review provides a concise overview of the toxicological impacts of both legacy and emerging PFASs, such as GenX and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), with a particular focus on their effects on the liver, kidneys, and immune and nervous systems, based on findings from recent in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological studies. Despite the transition to PFAS alternatives, much of the existing toxicity data focus on a few legacy compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which have been linked to adverse immune outcomes, particularly in children. However, evidence for carcinogenic risk remains limited to populations with extremely high exposure levels, and data on neurodevelopmental effects remain underexplored. While epidemiological and experimental animal studies supported these findings, significant knowledge gaps persist, especially regarding emerging PFASs. Therefore, this review examines the visceral, neural, and immunotoxicity data for emerging PFASs and mixtures from recent studies. Given the known risks from well-studied PFASs, a precautionary principle should be adopted to mitigate human health risks posed by this large and diverse group of chemicals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Auditory capacity plays a fundamental role in human emotional development from prenatal stages and persists as the last sensory modality to fade during terminal phases. In palliative sedation, uncertainty about preserved hearing—despite potential unconsciousness—underscores the need to evaluate current care recommendations for this critical sensory dimension. This review examines European guidelines to (i) assess auditory care integration in palliative sedation protocols and (ii) propose humanization strategies for sensory-preserving end-of-life care. Methods: Narrative review of evidence from the European Palliative Sedation Repository and the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). Results: Three key findings emerged: (i) lack of explicit protocols for auditory care despite acknowledging environmental sound management (e.g., music, family communication); (ii) limited consensus exists regarding hearing preservation during unconsciousness. Conclusions: Although auditory perception during palliative sedation remains scientifically uncertain, the precautionary principle warrants integrating auditory care into palliative sedation through (i) family education on potential hearing preservation; (ii) therapeutic sound protocols; and (iii) staff training in sensory-inclusive practices. This approach addresses current gaps in the guidelines while enhancing patient dignity and family support during end-of-life care. Further research should clarify auditory perception thresholds during sedation. Full article

This commentary evaluates contemporary equestrian sport governance through the lens of equine welfare science. Drawing on evidence from the FEI Sport Forum 2025 debates, the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook, media coverage of horse sport, recent scientific presentations, regulatory texts, and published research, we identify systemic shortcomings in how horse welfare is assessed, prioritised, and protected. Key issues include reliance on performance as a proxy for welfare, inadequate “fit-to-compete” protocols, neglect of horses’ mental states, coercive tack and equipment practices (e.g., double bridles, tight nosebands, ear hoods), pharmacological and surgical interventions that mask pain, euphemistic regulatory language (e.g., whip “encouragement”), and inconsistent implementation of welfare rules. Through a series of case studies, from dressage and show jumping forums to racing integrity handbooks, we illustrate euphemistic language, defensive group dynamics, dismissive rhetoric towards evidence-based criticism, and a troubling “stable blindness” that sidelines the horse’s perspective. We conclude that meaningful reform requires (1) embedding validated behavioural and physical welfare indicators into all competition and pre-competition protocols, (2) transparent, evidence-inclusive rule-making under a precautionary principle, (3) genuine engagement with independent equine welfare experts, and (4) establishment of empowered, impartial oversight bodies to ensure that stated codes of conduct translate into consistent, enforceable practice. Only by catering to the horse’s subjective experiences and applying modern ethological and bioethical standards can equestrian sport retain its social licence and ensure integrity in all areas of competition management. Full article

As lithium demand increases, lithium brine from hyper-arid salt flats is becoming increasingly important, although there are concerns about its extraction’s impact on the local water balance. Water footprinting could address these impacts, yet studies lack consensus on whether to classify brine as water or a mineral. This study aims to review perspectives on lithium brine accounting within and beyond the water footprint context, focused on the Salar de Atacama, Chile, and to establish accounting principles for water footprinting, following the relevant ISO standard. Outside water footprinting, four perspectives on brine classification are identified: hydro-social/perceptual, molecular–thermodynamic, precautionary, and legal. Adopting some of these perspectives, e.g., the rationale of brine’s molecular–thermodynamic similarity to freshwater, some water footprint studies argue for accounting brine as equivalent to freshwater. However, they are a minority. According to ISO, brine should not be classified as freshwater, and the type of water and its functionality should be distinguished. We suggest some saline waters below a specific salinity threshold may function as freshwater and could be included in freshwater accounting. Additionally, lithium brine extraction can induce effects on surrounding water compartments. Since conventional water footprints overlook such local effects, we propose testing a set of site-specific accounting principles through case studies. Full article

With the first evidence of the association between bats and influenza A viruses, various studies have begun to emerge to understand this interesting and important association among bats conservation, animal health, and public health. This study aimed to verify the presence of anti-influenza A vipothesrus antibodies, as well as the molecular identification of these viruses in bats distributed in forest fragments located in southeastern Mexico. Blood samples were obtained from 600 bats belonging to 24 different species, using an enzyme immunoassay to detect antibodies against the nucleoprotein antigen of the avian influenza A virus. Likewise, oropharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs and organs were taken for quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) of these viruses. A total of six bats (1%) tested positive either by serology or molecular methods, not both simultaneously. Although this suggests a very low prevalence of influenza A viruses in Mexican bats, it is the first study to address this association and, following the precautionary principle, we consider it necessary to establish systematic monitoring of the presence of influenza A in bats, since they are known to harbor infectious agents with zoonotic potential. Furthermore, it is possible that the association of influenza A viruses circulating in Latin American bats has an important co-evolutionary component with some bat species with exclusive distribution in the American continent. Full article

The use of face masks has proven to be an effective preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of metal (nano)particles incorporated into face masks for antimicrobial purposes. Specifically, this review examines the risks associated with TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), which are classified as a possible human carcinogen. The inhalation of TiO₂ NPs can cause multiple adverse effects, including oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation, histopathological changes, and (secondary) genotoxicity. Different aspects are discussed, such as the composition and filtration efficiency of face masks, the antimicrobial mode of action and effectiveness of various metals, and the hazards of TiO₂ NPs to human health, including exposure limits. A conservative risk assessment was conducted using different worst-case scenarios of potential (sub)chronic TiO₂ exposure, derived from published leaching experiments. Most face masks are considered safe, especially for occasional or single use. However, the nanosafety of a minority of face masks on the European market may be inadequate for prolonged and intensive use. Important uncertainties remain, including the risks of combined exposure to TiO₂ NPs and silver biocides, and the lack of direct exposure measurements. Considering the potential safety issues and the limited added protective value of TiO₂ NPs, it is recommended to ban all applications of TiO₂ in face masks based on the precautionary principle. Full article

Water problems extend beyond the watershed of local communities and single countries. A novel governance approach must comprise coordination and institutional arrangements at the global scale, and rely on a set of axioms that guide the decision-making and actions of various stakeholders involved in water-related issues. These principles must reflect the awareness of water paradigms across history and geography, as well as the economic, social, environmental, and ethical dimensions of water, aiming at ensuring its sustainable and equitable use, driving governance towards recognizing the value of water for public health and social cohesion, the link of landscape and identity values to water bodies, the social, aesthetic-recreational, and symbolic values of water across the world, and the functions of water in nature. The principles presented here include the human right to water, ecosystem centrality, the principles of shared integration, precautionary, responsibility, and subsidiarity, along with the concept of the common good. The assessment of principles of water governance is essential for implementing any guideline of water management aimed not only at efficiency and security, but at equity and sustainability of water supply and flood mitigation in a globalized and conflict-ridden world. Full article

There is growing evidence around the world of serious decline in biodiversity requiring urgent application of precautionary risk management. A better regulatory regime for precautionary management of long-term risk is now an urgent priority. This article addresses the prioritization of long-term risk management by examining risk management of ecosystems that may be experiencing hidden collapse. Hidden collapse refers to the existence of environmental indicators indicative of future collapse of forests, even though the forest appears intact and not at risk of ecosystem collapse. Professor David Lindenmayer and Dr Chloe Sato (Lindenmayer) first identified hidden collapse in 2018 in Mountain Ash forests of Victoria, Australia. The risk of hidden collapse represents a long-term environmental threat and is a potential trigger for application of the precautionary principle (principle). Implicit in hidden collapse are two preconditions for application of the principle; the risk of a serious or irreversible environmental threat, and the existence of scientific uncertainty about the nature of the risk. Despite hidden collapse satisfying these essential preconditions for applying the principle, decision makers did not apply it in respect hidden collapse of Mountain Ash forests in Victoria. This article considers the current status of the principle in regulation and how it can be adjusted to address long term environmental risk. Full article

Food production is a complex matter, affecting people’s lives, organizations’ profits, and the well-being of the whole planet, and has multifaceted ethical considerations surrounding its production, distribution, and consumption. This paper addresses the pressing need to confront ethical challenges within the food system, encompassing issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, and individual food choices for better oral and systemic health of all individuals around the globe. From agricultural practices to global trade and food waste, ethical implications are addressed across various domains, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical decision-making in the food industry. Central themes explored include the ethical dimensions of food production methods, the impact of global trade on food ethics, and the role of individuals in making ethically informed food choices. Additionally, this paper considers the spiritual and physical significance of food, particularly through the lens of oral health as a gateway to holistic well-being. Recognizing the complexity of the food and mouth ecosystem, this paper calls for serious interventions in legislation and economics to promote ethical protocols and techniques for sustainability reasons. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in food safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and quality standards. Moreover, this paper underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to address ethical dilemmas and moral values inherent in the food industry and oral health policies, adopting the precautionary principle and ethical decision-making frameworks. This article finally aims to serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the food industry and the healthcare sector, to prioritize ethical practices, promote transparency, rearrange economic parameters, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for inner and outer oral and systemic health and human sustainability for all. Full article

The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of bisphenol A (BPA)-derivatives in relation to their applications. A search on manufacturers’ websites was performed to reference resin-based dental materials currently on the European market (including the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK). Their monomer composition was determined using material-safety data sheets and was completed by a search on the PubMed database. Among the 543 material compositions exploitable, 382 (70.3%) contained BPA derivatives. Among them, 56.2% contained BisGMA and 28% BisEMA, the most frequently reported. A total of 59 monomers, of which six were BPA derivatives, were found. In total, 309 materials (56.9%) contained UDMA and 292 (53.8%) TEGDMA. Less than one third of materials identified contained no BPA derivatives. These proportions vary a lot depending on their applications, with materials dedicated to the dental care of young populations containing the highest proportions of BPA-derivative monomers. The long-term effects on human health of the different monomers identified including BPA-derivative monomers is a source of concern. For children and pregnant or lactating women arises the question of whether to take a precautionary principle and avoid the use of resin-based dental materials likely to release BPA by opting for alternative materials. Full article

The principal purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the precautionary principle can be included in the investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) deliberative process by providing a legal solution that would permit the invocation and implementation of this concept within the ISDS operational framework. The precautionary principle has been widely applied in the environmental management field, yet its role within the ISDS framework has remained relatively underutilised. To analyse this issue, this paper first explores the operational justification of the precautionary principle and how decision-makers should endorse it in order to fully recognise and address environmental concerns on a legal level. Next, the article proceeds to examine recent ISDS cases in which the precautionary principle was invoked and compares various risk assessment techniques to illustrate how it may be incorporated into the deliberative process and harmonised with other standards. The paper suggests that the forward-looking nature of the precautionary principle has paramount importance in disputes involving oil and gas, particularly in cases where oil and gas activities are believed to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that could worsen global warming. This paper advances the argument that a wider application of the principle could better equip ISDS tribunals to address the limitations of scientific knowledge, especially under circumstances where significant or irreversible environmental damage may occur. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in language, communication, and social function with an estimated prevalence rate of between 1 in 30 and 44 U.S. births. Gene/environment (G × E) interactions are widely regarded as the most probable explanation for idiopathic ASD, especially because some genes are selectively targeted by various environmental xenobiotics. Because deciduous teeth are a likely biomarker of in utero exposure, the present study investigated if the quantity of chemicals found in deciduous teeth differs between children with and without ASD. Twenty-two deciduous teeth from children with ASD and 20 teeth from typically developed children were prepared and analyzed using THE Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (GC × GC-TOF MS) with ChromaTOF version 23H2 software and Agilent 7890 gas chromatograph. The autism sample had significantly more chemicals in their teeth than the typical developing sample (99.4 vs. 80.7, respectively) (p < 0.0001). The majority of chemicals were identified as phthalates, plasticizers, pesticides, preservatives, or intermediary solvents used in the production of fragranced personal care or cleaning products or flavoring agents in foods. The known toxic analytes reported in this study are likely biomarkers of developmental exposure. Why there were greater concentrations of toxic chemicals in the teeth that came from children with ASD is unclear. A further understanding of the cavalcade of multiple biological system interactions (Interactome) could help with future efforts to reduce risks. Notwithstanding, the avoidance of pesticides, plastics, and scented personal care products may be warranted under the precautionary principle rule. Full article

The market for fish oil supplements is growing significantly, as fish oil is one of the best-known sources of beneficial long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, along with the potent health benefits, first of all regarding the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, the consumption of fish oil could also pose a potential health risk. Namely, fish positioned higher in the food chain, such as shark, swordfish, tuna, mackerel, etc., are known to bioaccumulate mercury. Indeed, consumption of fish is the main source of mercury exposure for humans, specifically of the most toxic form of mercury, methylmercury (MeHg). In the human organism, MeHg manifests a wide spectrum of adverse health effects, collectively known as Minamata disease. The objective of this study was to assess the health risk of mercury exposure through fish oil supplement consumption. The total mercury content of 42 fish oil supplements available on the markets of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska was determined by a direct mercury analyzer. A risk assessment was conducted for the adult population, taking into account the recommended intake of supplements and the toxicological profile of MeHg: an oral reference dose (RfD) of 0.0001 mg/kg bw/day and a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 0.0013 mg/kg bw. Since MeHg accounts for up to 75–98% of the total mercury content in fish, the precautionary principle was applied, meaning that the total mercury content was considered equal to MeHg. The total mercury content in supplements ranged from 0.001 to 0.0057 mg/kg, which is far below the maximum level for food supplements of 0.1 mg/kg. The mean (±standard deviation) of mercury content was 0.0019 ± 0.0009 mg/kg. The corresponding consumer mean exposure was 0.042 ± 0.039% of the RfD, with a maximum at 0.24%, and in the case of TWI, 0.023 ± 0.021%, with a maximum at 0.13%. Thus, the risk from mercury in fish oil supplements was negligible, even for pregnant and nursing women who need to protect their children from the extremely harmful developmental neurotoxicity of MeHg. However, the presence of other lipophilic environmental pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzodioxins, and dibenzofurans, should be investigated. Full article

There is a growing consumer interest and public health mandate to reduce sugar intake, and an increased iimpetus to innovate in the food sector to develop new and more acceptable sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) as low- or non-calorific replacements for sugar. Within the European context, S&SEs are subject to stringent risk assessment and regulatory framework to permit new S&SEs in the European market. There has been a long-standing debate about the role of regulation in facilitating or slowing down innovation processes. The aim of this study is to examine the S&SE regulation and risk governance framework, with a specific focus on the implementation of the precautionary principle to assess its perceived impact on the food industry’s ability to innovate. We conducted six semi-structured interviews with food industry applicants for new and novel S&SE approval. The study results indicate that the legislation is achieving its primary aims of harmonising the approval process, ensuring consumer safety, and contributing to the public health policies of the EU. However, there are several barriers to innovation associated with the regulatory framework, including the application of the precautionary principle and the burden-of-proof requirement facing the industry. The barriers are particularly relevant to small and medium organisations who have limited resources to accommodate these uncertainties. An open dialogue between business operatives and risk assessors would be an important step towards raising this awareness and addressing the uncertainties within the process. Full article