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

Research briefs

18 July 2022

Houston residents’ chemical exposure increased post-Hurricane Harvey, OSU study finds

Researchers discovered that, on average, 75% of the chemicals detected in two measurements were found in higher concentrations immediately after the hurricane. People’s baseline exposure, however, was already high.

Oregon State University

Update

1 June 2022

UNECE and partners showcase examples of integrated governance of climate and technological risks in transboundary water bodies at Global Platform on DRR

Adapting to climate change and managing the risks of natural and technological hazards in transboundary basins has become critical, as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are on the rise in the wake of the changing climate.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Update

27 May 2022

Ukraine to join UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents

Ukraine will become a Party to the Convention on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit of its instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General in New York.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Update

30 May 2022

Flood water contamination threatens communities living near chemical facilities – can private law protect them?

Exposure to toxic floodwaters can have life-threatening health effects on those living near the affected chemical plant. Some private law mechanisms have been implemented to prevent such incidents from happening as well as to protect people at risk.

Earth.org

Update

26 May 2022

Press note of the Institute for Solid Waste Research & Ecological Banlance for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

Coal based thermal power plants belch out large volumes of fly ash. INSWAREB is showcasing its technologies in this event so that needy countries could adopt and practice them in order to prevent ash based disasters.

Institute for Solid Waste Research & Ecological Balance

Documents and publications

7 April 2022

Insights on chemical and natech risk management in Japan and South Korea: a review of current practices

The article reviews the current state of risk management, emergency response, and risk communication on chemical and Natech risk management in the two countries, and discusses some issues of the current chemical risk management that require improvement.

Update

6 April 2022

EU develops strategic reserves for chemical, biological and radio-nuclear emergencies

To improve the EUs preparedness and response to public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the Commission is building up strategic reserves of response capacities through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

European Commission

Update

11 February 2022

Kazakhstan to strengthen mine tailings safety and prevent water pollution, with UNECE support

The Working Group on Tailings Safety and the Prevention of Accidental Water Pollution (IIWG) in Kazakhstan has held the first comprehensive dialogue on these issues between all relevant stakeholders and national authorities in the country.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe