Keynote #2 - Over/misinterpretation of the precautionary principle in relation to safer nicotine

Ballroom

09:30 - 11:00 (Europe/Warsaw)

Whilst no activity has a total absence of risk, science has to embrace risks and challenges to evolve. The over/misinterpretation of the precautionary principle is often an impediment to progress. Drawing on his experience of working with dependence in other fields, Dr McGovern will examine, in relation to nicotine use:

How should we categorise/quantify risk?
Is there a hierarchy of risk(s)?
What are the consequences of avoiding all risks?
How can equivalence assist in assessing risk?
Who should determine the limits of risk – for the individual and communities?

Are there lost opportunities for tobacco harm reduction to have a significant impact on personal and societal health improvement, due to the inappropriate application of the precautionary principle?

Host

Sarah Cooney