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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

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Workers sound alarm on major industrial disaster risk as ‘near misses’ increase, new research finds

Research recently published has outlined a rising risk of a major industrial disaster, with more than half of respondents suggesting that the risk of such an event in their sector is higher today than it was ten years ago.

Water Magazine
Update
Toxic tides: Rising seas increase risk of contaminants in Jacksonville’s waterfront communities

As Hurricane Irma’s path turned north, Saundra Morene was told she had to evacuate her Ribault River home on Jacksonville’s Northside. But she wasn’t worried.

Climate Central
A Century of chemical weapons: use, prohibition, and elimination thumbnail
Documents and publications
A century of chemical weapons: use, prohibition, and elimination

This monograph provides a comprehensive examination of the history, regulation, and elimination of chemical weapons over the past century.

AIEP Editore
Update
In Bihar, groundwater treatment units were installed in regions that didn’t need them

Arsenic-contaminated groundwater affects more than 230 million people living in 108 countries. About 180 million of these people live in the Indian subcontinent (which includes Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, in addition to India) and Southeast Asia.

Eos - AGU
Update
The fiery tornadoes that could mop up oil spills

More than 15 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, researchers are still searching for new ways to tackle disastrous spills. Some are looking to flaming twisters.

Eos - AGU
Update
Who pays the price for Japan’s nuclear power?

Because Fukushima is considered a national responsibility, it is legally stipulated that all contaminated soil must be removed from the prefecture by 2045.

Japan Times Ltd., the
Update
Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Fifteen years after 3/11, the anniversary offers an opportunity to reassess the importance of sustained engagement in disaster recovery and what can still be learned from it.

Japan Times Ltd., the
Update
Trump officials move to kill system that protects US from chemical disasters

EPA rolls back rules as chemical firms claim provisions in RMP protection system too expensive to implement.

Guardian, the (UK)
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