The precautionary principle refers to the idea that public policies should limit innovations until their creators can prove they will not cause any potential harms or disruptions.

The problem with the precautionary principle is that uncertainty about the future and risks always exists.

Living in constant fear of worst-case scenarios means that best-case scenarios will never come about.

But can the precautionary principle really lead to deaths? Yes, it can. Literally and figuratively!

Advocates of the precautionary principle might believe that doing nothing in the face of uncertainty seems like the safer choice.

However without risk, there can be no reward.

Generally speaking, it is almost never wise to completely prevent experiences that might offer important benefits that are difficult to foresee!

How Many Lives Are Lost Due to the Precautionary Principle? - HumanProgress

https://www.nber.org/papers/w26395

https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Rice-Imperiled-Birth-Superfood/dp/1421433036