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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

Cover of The relation between socioeconomic status and risk attitudes: A nuclear accident scenario in Sweden
Documents and publications

The relation between socioeconomic status and risk attitudes: A nuclear accident scenario in Sweden

This study examines the association between SES and citizens’ risk attitudes to a radiological emergency scenario and demonstrates instead that high SES implies a greater likeliness to move away from the accident-affected area.
Update

IAEA launches new early warning notification system to protect nuclear installations from natural hazards

The External Event Damage Forecast receives information from the Alert System and produces a preliminary estimation of potential damage to nuclear installations and population centres.
International Atomic Energy Agency
Cover of Preventing disaster
Documents and publications

Preventing disaster: Three chemical incidents within two weeks show urgent need for stronger federal safety requirements

This report profiles three chemical incidents that occurred within two weeks this January, and recommends specific safety measures that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should require in order to prevent future chemical disasters. 
Update

EPA’s proposed changes to chemical disaster prevention rule don’t do enough to keep communities safe

Coming Clean and the Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform released a report that profiles three chemical incidents that occurred within two weeks in January, and recommends safety measures to prevent future chemical disasters.
Coming Clean, Inc.
Cover and title of publication
Documents and publications

IAEA safety standards: Preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency involving the transport of radioactive material

This Safety Guide is intended to assist Member States in the application of General Safety Requirements (GSR) Part 7 and of the Transport Regulations, which concern preparedness for and response to a nuclear or radiological emergency.
Update

New IAEA safety guide on emergency preparedness and response for the transport of radioactive material

This publication provides recommendations on preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency involving the transport of radioactive material.
International Atomic Energy Agency
Research briefs

Toxic “forever chemicals” accumulate above the water table

PFAS pose a public health risk, but there are major gaps in our knowledge of how these chemicals move through the ground.
Eos - AGU
Cover
Documents and publications

Introduction to eNATECH

This document explains the philosophy behind the eNATECH data structure and provides short tutorials based on real accident cases to guide users in browsing the database and in introducing their own accident or near miss data.
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