This document provides an overview of the precautionary principle, including its origins, key elements, and approaches to implementation. It discusses the principle in the context of environmental health problems caused by human activities that have led to issues like climate change, fishery collapses, and chemical contamination. The precautionary principle aims to take anticipatory action to prevent harm when threats exist, even in cases of scientific uncertainty, and places the burden of proof on those introducing potentially hazardous activities. The document examines uncertainties in science, different types of errors, and limits to proof when assessing environmental health issues. It also outlines values like respect, humility and responsibility that underlie the precautionary principle.