Terrorism and the chemical infrastructure : protecting people and reducing vulnerabilities / Committee on Assessing Vulnerabilities Related to the Nation's Chemical Infrastructure, Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council of the National Academies.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Assessing Vulnerabilities Related to the Nation's Chemical Infrastructure.

National Research Council (U.S.). Division on Earth and Life Studies.

National Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research Board.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chemical plants--Security measures--United States.

Chemical plants.

Chemical plants--Risk assessment.

Chemical industry--Security measures--United States.

Chemical industry.

Chemical industry--Risk assessment.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (152 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : National Academies Press, c2006.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The chemical sector is a key part of the national economy and has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as one of 17 sectors comprising the nation's Critical Infrastructure. Although its products represent only 2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, those products underpin most other manufactured goods. To assist DHS in characterizing and mitigating the vulnerabilities faced by the nation from the chemical industry, this study examines classes of chemicals and chemical processes that are critical to the nation's security, economy, and health. It identifies vulnerabilities and points of weakness in the supply chain for these chemicals and chemical processes; assesses the likely impact of a significant disruption in the supply chain; identifies actions to help prevent disruption in the supply chain and mitigate loss and injury should such disruption occur; identifies incentives and disincentives to preventative and mitigating actions; and recommends areas of scientific, engineering, and economic research and development. The report concludes that the consequences of a deliberate attack on the chemical infrastructure would be expected to be similar in nature to the accidents we have already experienced. Under limited circumstances, such an attack could cause catastrophic casualties and loss of life, but it would take several simultaneous events to cause catastrophic economic consequences. Poor communication could amplify societal response. Overall, the recommendations in this report emphasize the benefit of investments to improve emergency preparedness for and response to chemical events. They also highlight the potential to minimize the physical hazards through development of cost-effective, safer processes that reduce the volume, toxicity, or hazardous conditions under which chemicals are processed.

Contents:

""Front Matter""; ""Preface""; ""Acknowledgment of Reviewers""; ""Contents""; ""Executive Summary""; ""1 Introduction""; ""2 The Chemical Sector""; ""3 Methodological Approach to Determining Vulnerabilities""; ""4 Realistic Chemical Incident Scenarios""; ""5 Managing Risk""; ""6 Science and Technology Investment to Protect the Nation's Chemical Infrastructure: Findings and Recommendations""; ""Appendixes""; ""Appendix A Historical Scenarios""; ""Appendix B Statement of Task""; ""Appendix C Committee Membership""; ""Appendix D Meetings and Presentations""; ""Appendix E Acronyms""

""Appendix F Glossary""

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9786610506651

9780309180405

0309180406

9781280506659

1280506652

9780309652537

0309652537

OCLC:

923276850