The Precautionary Principle, public health, and public health nursing

ABSTRACT The Precautionary Principle posits that, in the absence of certainty, the appropriate course of action is to err on the side of caution. The Principle has been applied to decision making and policy development related to environmental health issues both internationally and in the United States. The American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association (ANA) have issued policy statements that invoke the Precautionary Principle, and the Principle has been incorporated into statements that describe the practice of public health nursing. Nursing has always recognized the relationship of the environment with the health of humans—individuals, families, populations, and communities (ANA). The increasing attention to the Precautionary Principle comes at a time of redefinition of the field of public health, environmental public health, and the practice of public health nursing. Thus, it is crucial that practicing public health nurses understand the Precautionary Principle and its relevance to the practice of public health, public health nursing, and the current and future health individuals, families, populations, and communities.     

Disaster public health considerations

This paper provides an overview of disaster public health preparedness, response, and recovery activities with particular reference to examples that have occurred in California. It discusses the public health considerations from two aspects: 1) general public health effects; and 2) public and environmental health control measures. The latter discussion is divided into: 1) drinking water; 2) human wastes; 3) food; 4) personal hygiene; 5) mass care and shelter; 6) solid waste and debris; 7) hazardous materials; 8) injury prevention programs and public health information; 9) vector control; and 10) disease control and surveillance. Two tables summarize the disaster medical and health functions as they relate to public health.