🚀 go-pugleaf

We seek proof (in the scientific or logical sense) to underpin our understanding of
things around us. And today, in scientific and technological age in which we live, the
requirement for proof is central to our thinking.

But is the need to obtain proof always our ally. Does this requirement also conspire
against us. I believe it does.

I am interested in this question from the environmental and human health perspective.
It seems that there are many important issues affecting our environment and our health
that are being over-looked simply because we cannot obtain absolute proof.  That we
over-look what might be decided on the basis of common sense and therefore fail to
act accordingly.

One area that I am working on at the moment concerns the myriad of foreign
chemicals which permeate every part of our environment ... from the food-chain to the
water we drink .. and its impact on health, now and in the future.

Can anyone suggest a specific case in the areas of human health and the environment
(published preferably) where the absence of proof has resulted in the failure to take
important decisions. Your opinions would be gratefully received and acknowledged.

John Bates Ph.D, Cambridge, UK