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

Update

30 August 2023

50 years after the Bunker Hill mine fire caused one of the largest lead-poisoning cases in US history, Idaho’s Silver Valley is still at risk

On Sept. 3, 1973, a fire swept through the baghouse of the Bunker Hill mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley. The building was designed to filter pollutants produced by smelting, the melting of rocks that separates metal from its ore.

Conversation Media Group, the

Update

30 August 2023

Studies link fracking to childhood cancer, asthma

Health professionals are calling for a ban on fracking in Pennsylvania after three “bombshell” studies—linked exposure to the oil and gas extraction process to childhood lymphoma, asthma, and low birth weight.

The Energy Mix

Research briefs

20 June 2023

Rising groundwater threatens thousands of toxic sites in the Bay Area

When sea levels rise, dense saltwater moves inland beneath the soil, pushing up the layer of fresh groundwater that floats above it. It can also seep into toxic sites from below, spreading pollutants far beyond the limits of the original contamination.

University of California, Berkeley

Research briefs

5 June 2023

Industrial disasters may cause higher rates of disability and cancer for future generations

New UC San Diego study is the first to reveal the multi-generational health impacts of a of a major gas explosion in India by studying its effects on survivors’ children.

University of California, San Diego

Update

31 May 2023

EPA: Don’t delay strong rules to help prevent chemical disasters

Last year, hundreds of community members, regulatory agencies, and advocates (including UCS) weighed in on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed standards to strengthen the Risk Management Program (RMP).

Union of Concerned Scientists

Research briefs

15 May 2023

Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water

People who live in communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents are more likely to be exposed to harmful levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their water supplies.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Update

3 April 2023

The true dangers of long trains

The reports revealed that some long trains were too big to fit into sidings off of main tracks that were often built to accommodate trains no longer than 1.4 miles, and passing trains were crashing into their rear ends.

ProPublica

Update

5 May 2023

Ohio derailment that spilled toxic chemicals and shook community should raise alarms here

Train accidents, like the one in northeastern Ohio, are happening with striking regularity, according to a recent analysis. Accidental releases are happening consistently across the country.

ecoRI News