NBC - Nuclear, Biological, Chemical

Chemical hazards are the unintended or deliberate release of a substance that is potentially harmful to humans or the environment (e.g. nerve and blistering agents, toxic industrial chemicals).

Biological hazards, according to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (1972), include germs, toxins and viruses that can sicken or kill people, livestock, or crops (UNODA, 1972).

Nuclear hazards involve the accidental or intentional release of potentially harmful radioactive materials from nuclear fission or fusion, such as those associated with  power plants, research reactors or nuclear weapons (HIP; IFRC).

Latest NBC additions in the Knowledge Base

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Documents and publications

This concept note outlines the critical need for enhanced Early Warning Systems (EWS) to detect water contamination from nuclear fission plants.

UCL Warning Research Centre
Research briefs

Researchers collected soil and ash after the 2020 wildfires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Chemical tests suggested that the fires made it easier for contaminants to wash into nearby rivers.

Eos - AGU
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Documents and publications

This study uses a numerical modeling approach to estimate the potential elevated radionuclide concentrations that can be distributed during storm events under current and future climates.

Nature Scientific Reports
Pripyat River backwater seen from Chernobyl village in Ukraine
Research briefs

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba studied how an April 2020 wildfire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, a radiologically contaminated area, affected radionuclide redistribution. Findings showed wildfires increase 137Cs and 90Sr mobility in rivers.

University of Tsukuba
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Documents and publications

This guidance is geared to support senior leaders in industry and public authorities implement Natech prevention, preparedness and response measures and self-assess how prepared their organisation is in managing Natech risks effectively.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
European Commission
Industrial air pollution
Update

Led by the EU, Convention Parties agreed to expand targeted industrial safety efforts in the energy transition, coordinated with the Bureau and involving the Working Group on Implementation and the Joint Expert Group on Water and Industrial Accidents.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Cover
Documents and publications

By integrating perceptions of social equity into the Protective Action Decision Model, this study uncovers how these perceptions may influence protective action in industrial crises, and in particular the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio (USA) train derailment.

Sustainable Cities and Society (Elsevier)
The 2011 East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster is an example of types cascading disasters that Asia-Pacific Regional Framework for NATECH attempts to guard against.
Update

The IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre plays a critical role in preparing for and responding to nuclear or radiological emergencies. It operates 24/7, coordinating global efforts, sharing real-time information, and enhancing resilience to protect lives.

International Atomic Energy Agency
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