How do you balance the benefits and risks of using novel technologies and approaches in environmental health?

1 Know your goals

Before adopting or implementing any new technology or approach, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are the specific environmental health problems or questions that you are trying to address? What are the expected outcomes and impacts of your intervention or research? How will you measure and evaluate your success and failure? Having a well-defined and realistic goal will help you select the most appropriate and effective tools and methods for your situation.

2 Assess the benefits and risks

Every technology and approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Some of the benefits may include improved efficiency, accuracy, accessibility, scalability, or affordability of environmental health services or data. Some of the risks may include ethical, legal, social, or environmental implications, such as privacy, security, bias, equity, or sustainability issues. You also need to consider the potential trade-offs, uncertainties, and unintended consequences of using novel technologies and approaches. For example, using drones to collect air samples may reduce human exposure and increase spatial coverage, but it may also raise concerns about noise, safety, or regulation.

4 Learn from others

You are not alone in exploring and experimenting with novel technologies and approaches in environmental health. There are many examples and lessons learned from other practitioners and researchers around the world that you can learn from and adapt to your context. You can find and join networks, platforms, or communities of practice that share best practices, challenges, and opportunities in using novel technologies and approaches in environmental health. You can also consult with experts, mentors, or peers who have experience or expertise in the specific technology or approach that you are interested in or using.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

The field of environmental health is constantly evolving and changing, and so are the technologies and approaches that you use. You need to be flexible and adaptable to cope with the changing conditions, demands, and opportunities in your environment. You need to monitor and evaluate your progress and performance, and be ready to adjust or modify your plans, strategies, or methods as needed. You also need to be open-minded and curious, and be willing to try new things, learn from mistakes, and embrace feedback.

6 Be ethical and responsible

Last but not least, you need to be ethical and responsible in using novel technologies and approaches in environmental health. You need to follow the relevant codes, standards, or guidelines that govern your profession or discipline, and respect the laws and regulations that apply to your context. You need to protect the rights, privacy, and dignity of the people and communities that you work with or for, and avoid any harm or exploitation. You also need to consider the environmental and social impacts of your actions, and strive to promote environmental justice and health equity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?