Example of how a hybrid disaster can be a technological disaster - ANSWER
Ex: An earthquake that causes an oil or chemical spill from a pipeline.
Vulnerability to Technological Hazards - ANSWER Typically, the death tolls
from technological hazards are relatively low.
Vulnerability is greatest for those involved in industry or transportation
systems.
Categories of Technological Disasters - ANSWER Widespread:
Long term (nuclear accidents)
Hazards leading to cumulative effects
Rare Events:
Airplane crashes
Mine collapses
Shipwrecks
Common:
Automobile accidents
Poisons
Cumulative Effects - ANSWER These are conditions that worsen slowly over
time as exposure to a concentration increases.
Eventually, the concentration reaches a threshold critical to human health.
Large-Scale Structures (buildings, bridges, dams) Risk - ANSWER the
probability of failure during the lifetime of the structure
Transportation (road, sea, rail) Risk - ANSWER the probability of death or
injury per km travelled.
, Industry (manufacturing, power production) Risk - ANSWER the probability
of death or injury per person per number of hours expected.
Radon - ANSWER The primary source of radon gas is from the natural decay
of uranium in rock and soil.
When radon is inhaled it then decays to polonium and lodges in the lungs where
it damages tissues.
It is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in North America.
Risks of radon at home - ANSWER It is difficult to detect because the gas is
odourless, colourless, and tasteless.
The gas can move quickly through non-saturated soil and can seep into homes.
Basements are at higher risk especially in the winter due to reduced air
circulation.
Genetically Modified Organisms - ANSWER organisms that have had changes
made to their DNA by the transfer of genes.
Radiation - ANSWER The pathways of radiation include inhalation and,
ingestion (food, water).
Direct - effects are evident within days of exposure or delayed and chronic
(leukemia, cancer)
Indirect - genetic effects. A person may not experience effects but their children
may in the form of chromosomal changes or birth defects.
Sources of Radiation - ANSWER Mining of uranium: produce wastes known
as tailings that can be a radioactive hazard.
Production of Electricity: Uranium is used in nuclear reactors.
Nuclear Reactors - ANSWER Most in North America are located in the
eastern half of the continent.
Ex: An earthquake that causes an oil or chemical spill from a pipeline.
Vulnerability to Technological Hazards - ANSWER Typically, the death tolls
from technological hazards are relatively low.
Vulnerability is greatest for those involved in industry or transportation
systems.
Categories of Technological Disasters - ANSWER Widespread:
Long term (nuclear accidents)
Hazards leading to cumulative effects
Rare Events:
Airplane crashes
Mine collapses
Shipwrecks
Common:
Automobile accidents
Poisons
Cumulative Effects - ANSWER These are conditions that worsen slowly over
time as exposure to a concentration increases.
Eventually, the concentration reaches a threshold critical to human health.
Large-Scale Structures (buildings, bridges, dams) Risk - ANSWER the
probability of failure during the lifetime of the structure
Transportation (road, sea, rail) Risk - ANSWER the probability of death or
injury per km travelled.
, Industry (manufacturing, power production) Risk - ANSWER the probability
of death or injury per person per number of hours expected.
Radon - ANSWER The primary source of radon gas is from the natural decay
of uranium in rock and soil.
When radon is inhaled it then decays to polonium and lodges in the lungs where
it damages tissues.
It is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in North America.
Risks of radon at home - ANSWER It is difficult to detect because the gas is
odourless, colourless, and tasteless.
The gas can move quickly through non-saturated soil and can seep into homes.
Basements are at higher risk especially in the winter due to reduced air
circulation.
Genetically Modified Organisms - ANSWER organisms that have had changes
made to their DNA by the transfer of genes.
Radiation - ANSWER The pathways of radiation include inhalation and,
ingestion (food, water).
Direct - effects are evident within days of exposure or delayed and chronic
(leukemia, cancer)
Indirect - genetic effects. A person may not experience effects but their children
may in the form of chromosomal changes or birth defects.
Sources of Radiation - ANSWER Mining of uranium: produce wastes known
as tailings that can be a radioactive hazard.
Production of Electricity: Uranium is used in nuclear reactors.
Nuclear Reactors - ANSWER Most in North America are located in the
eastern half of the continent.
