The precautionary principle is a public policy approach for risk management of possible, but unproven, adverse health effects. The extent of the precautionary principle ranges from monitoring scientific developments and providing information to stronger measures, such as lowering exposures. The increasing public concern over the RF health issue has led to demands for industry and regulatory authorities to apply the precautionary principle to the use of cell phones and the proposed construction of new broadcasting and radiocommunication installations.

The application of the precautionary principle should be proportional to the level of risk and its associated uncertainty, the severity of the outcome and the level of societal benefit. In the context of RF energy from broadcasting and radiocommunication installations and apparatus, health risks from exposure below the limits specified in Health Canada's guideline document have not been established. Therefore, if precautionary measures are introduced to reduce exposure levels, it is recommended that they be made voluntary.