Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons^™

‘Wannabe Toxic-Free?’ From Precautionary Consumption To Corporeal Citizenship, Dayna Scott, Jennie Haw, Robyn Lee

Articles & Book Chapters

Ecological citizens are increasingly encouraged to adopt ‘precautionary consumption’ – a set of practices aimed at shielding them from the potential health harms of exposures to everyday toxics. The utility and the effects of precautionary consumption in relation to common chemical exposures are investigated. Precautionary consumption is not only of questionable utility, but is fundamentally misguided as an approach for inspiring antitoxics organizing. The failure of this approach is in part due to its assumption of a naturally bounded, autonomous individual who is able to maintain an impermeable boundary between herself and the environment. Drawing on the work of material …