Bibliography of Nuclear Disasters Resources
A brief bibliography of academic resources related to nuclear/radiological disasters.
Colton, David P., Thane J. Hendricks, and Steven R. Riedhauser. 2007. Aerial radiological systems, measurements and analysis. International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 356-75.
Abstract: This document describes data collection systems and procedures used by the US Department of Energy Aerial Measuring System (AMS) in response to a radiological emergency. The discussion is split into two parts: (1) those systems used on the fixed-wing aircraft and (2) those systems used on the helicopters. This split is principally caused by the final use of the data from each system. The fixed-wing system is designed to produce data for areas of high radioactivity (areas where the natural background radiation can be ignored). The helicopter systems are used for radiation measurements closer to the natural background levels.
Czada, Roland 1990. Muddling Through a "Nuclear-Political" Emergency: Decentralized Crisis Management in West Germany After Radioactive Fallout from Chernobyl--paper presented at the 12th World Congress of Sociology, Madrid, 9-13, July 1990, West Germany: University of Konstanz, Faculty of Political and Administrative Sciences.
De Cort, Marc. 2007. Monitoring radioactivity in nuclear and radiological emergency in a European perspective: Aims and means. International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 319-38.
Abstract: After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, European countries have further enhanced their capacity and infrastructure for monitoring radioactivity in their environment. This paper gives a summary of the most commonly used techniques relevant to routine and nuclear and/or radiological emergency conditions, followed by a discussion of the various network types (routine, emergency preparedness, mobile monitoring) and some suggestions on how homogeneity of the monitoring information can be improved.
Diodato, Nazzareno, and Michele Ceccarelli. 2005. Geographical Information Systems and Geostatistics for Modeling Radioactivity Contaminated Land Areas. Natural Hazards 35, no. 2: 229-42.
Abstract: The Chernobyl plume contaminated vast lands of Europe with radiocaesium in 1986 because of the deposition of radionuclides on the ground by wet and dry deposition processes. Nevertheless, in a nuclear emergency, contamination data may be very sparse and there is need to make rapid and scientifically supported decisions. Here we analyze the rainfall field, an important precursor of the wet deposition, during the passage of the plume. Thus, estimating rainfall spatial variability can help to identify possible contaminated areas and associated risks when rainfall exceeded a given threshold. In this paper, we show that the conditional probabilities of exceeding threshold rainfall values could be spatially assessed using the mutual benefits of linking geostatistical and geographical information system (GIS) to quantify the evaluation of the risk involved in decision making. In particular, the nonparametric geostatistic technique, termed Indicator Kriging (IK), enables one to efficiently estimate the probability that the true value exceeds the threshold values by means of the indicator coding transform. Afterward, GIS has been used to find the areas probably affected by the wash-out. The experimental study has been focused on a test site in Beneventan afgroecosystem to model the spatial uncertainty over a continuous area from sparse rainfall data. This enabled to generate probability maps delineating area potentially affected by the contamination to be monitored after wet deposition of Chernobyl releases.
French, Simon, Emma Carter, and Carmen Niculae. 2007. Decision support in nuclear and radiological emergency situations: Are we too focused on models and technology? International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 421-41.
Abstract: The last 20 years has seen enormous advances in mathematical modeling and computing techniques. In the aftermath of the Chernobyl Accident, many of these have been incorporated in Decision Support Systems (DSS) to aid nuclear emergency management. This paper reviews what has been achieved; but it also reflects on how the tools fit into emergency management processes and discusses whether too much emphasis is being placed on the technological aspects of what is a complex, socio-technical issue.
Golding, Dominic, Jeanne X. Kasperson, Roger E. Kasperson, Robert Goble, John E. Seley, Gordon Thompson, and Charles P. Wolf. 1992. Managing Nuclear Accidents: A Model Emergency Response Plan for Power Plants and Communities. San Francisco, Calif.: Westview Press.
Abstract: Great Britain, the U.S., and the former USSR can attest to the disastrous impacts of nuclear power facility failures. Careful planning for risks posed by such facilities, however, can reduce, though not eliminate, these risks. Planning measures suggested in this volume are a product of a multi-year effort to develop a plan specific to the Three Mile Island (Pennsylvania) area, taking account of existing TMI plans and the current state of knowledge in emergency planning. The plan presented is directly relevant to emergencies as nuclear power plants generally and seeks to address generic issues applicable elsewhere.
Gray, Patrick. 2002. The Human Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident: A Strategy for Recovery. Washington, D.C.: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, World Health Organization,
International Atomic Energy Agency. 2006. Environmental Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident and Their Remediation: Twenty Years of Experience. Austria: International Atomic Energy Agency.
Abstract: The explosion on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the consequent reactor fire resulted in an unprecedented release of radioactive material from a nuclear reactor and adverse consequences for the public and the environment. Although the accident occurred nearly two decades ago, controversy still surrounds the real impact of the disaster. Therefore the IAEA, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Environment Program, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the World Health Organization and the World Bank, as well as the competent authorities of Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, established the Chernobyl Forum in 2003. The mission of the Forum was to generate “authoritative consensual statements” on the environmental consequences and health effects attributable to radiation exposure arising from the accident as well as to provide advice on environmental remediation and special health care programs, and to suggest areas in which further research is required. This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Chernobyl Forum concerning the environmental effects of the Chernobyl accident.
Kneese, Allen V. K. and Alan J. Krupnick. 1995. Benefit-Cost Analysis and Nuclear Waste Site Cleanups: The Historical and Ethical Context, Discussion Paper 95-22. Washington, D.C.: Resources for the Future.
Lahtinen, Juhani, Harri Toivonen, and Riitta Hanninen. 2007. Effective use of radiation monitoring data and dispersion calculations in an emergency. International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 468-80.
Abstract: An essential prerequisite for the proper management of a radiation emergency is that measurement data and calculation prognoses are available and that they are produced in an efficient manner. This paper reviews some of the factors contributing to the practice of performing radiation measurements and atmospheric-dispersion-model calculations effectively and discusses the issues related to the uncertainties and interpretation of results. It stresses the importance of various advance analyses and preprepared strategies and recommends a database architecture for the management of dispersion-model calculation results.
Malyshev, V. P. 2006. Problems of overcoming the Chernobyl catastrophe consequences. Issues of Risk Analysis 3: 4-9.
Abstract: On the basis of generalization of literary data and our own examinations in the field of radiation safety the basic problems which solution has allowed overwhelming heavy consequences of Chernobyl accident are formulated. Composite indexes of demographic, economic and environmental consequences of the largest radiation accident are presented. The assessment of productivity of the carried out actions for ecological rehabilitation of territories and social support of the suffering population is given. It is shown, that scale of the problems solved during liquidation of consequences of accident on Chernobyl NPP, promoted formulation of normative legal base in the field of radiation safety, has supplied creating state system of emergency prevention and elimination, and has accelerated progress in various science and technique branches.
Mozgovaya, Alla V. 1993. Social Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe: Some Results of Sociological Research. Preliminary Paper No. 198. , Newark, Del.: Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware.
Petterson, John S. 1988. Perception vs. reality of radiological impact: The Goiania model. Nuclear News : 84-90.
Perez Foster, Rose Marie, Daniel Igor Branovan, and Gennady Ukrainsky. 2003. Surviving Chernobyl in America: Medical and Mental Health Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident. New York: Media Luna Ltd.
Abstract: This informational book provides a referenced review of recent scientific findings related to the medical and mental health consequences associated with the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident. It also provides health resources for Russian speaking survivors of Chernobyl who are now living in the United States
Quarantelli, E.L. 1991. Radiation Disasters: Similarities to and Differences from Other Disasters. Article #229. Newark, Del.: Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware.
Schoff, James L. 2004. Crisis Management in Japan and the United States: Creating Opportunities for Cooperation Amid Dramatic Change. Cambridge, Mass.: Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis.
Abstract: This book is the result of a multiyear study conducted by the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis and the Osaka School of International Public Policy at Osaka University to examine ways to enhance U.S.-Japanese cooperation on crisis and consequence management. It examines case studies, including the Kobe earthquake, the Tokaimura nuclear accident, and the September 11 terrorist attacks, and analyzes the changes underway in the military and civilian areas of crisis and consequence management in both countries. The study then outlines steps that policy makers can take to promote effective, efficient cooperation and make the most of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Till, John E., and Helen A. Grogan. 2008. Radiological Risk Assessment and Environmental Analysis. N.Y.: Oxford University Press.
Abstract: This introductory textbook explains methods used for estimating risk to people exposed to radioactive materials released to the environment by nuclear facilities or in terrorist event. It merges the diverse disciplines necessary for estimating where radioactive materials go in the environment and the risk they present to people. The chapters are arranged to guide the reader through the risk assessment process, beginning with the source term (where the radioactive material comes from) and ending with the conversion to risk. In addition to presenting mathematical models used in risk assessment, data is included so the reader can perform the calculations. Each chapter also provides examples and working problems.
World Health Organization. 1984. Nuclear Power: Accidental Releases--Principles of Public Health Action--Report of a WHO Meeting. European Series, 16. Copenhagen: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, WHO Regional Publications.
Abstract: The widespread use of radiation makes it imperative to know how to protect the public from accidents which, though unlikely, have been known to happen. This book gives guidance on a number of matters that deal with unexpected events or situations in nuclear plants that have the potential to release radioactive materials into the environment in excess of authorized limits. The report is based on a WHO meeting convened in collaboration with the Belgian Government during November 23-27, 1981. The document does not provide detailed technical data, but broadly surveys the rational basis for decisionmaking, indicating the present position of an international working group assembled in Brussels. The report's purpose is to give guidance to national authorities in how to develop the capacity to take action in a nuclear emergency, particularly since planning is often the responsibility of several agencies, and health authorities are not the only group that would be involved. Main topics of concern include: 1) the timing of countermeasures and decisionmaking; 2) assessing radiation exposure; 3) assessing the effects of exposure; 4) the choice of countermeasures; and 5) psychosocial effects.
Yatsalo, Boris I. 2007. Decision support system for risk-based land management and rehabilitation of radioactively contaminated territories: PRANA approach. International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 504-23.
Abstract: Description of the approaches to a decision support system on Risk Based Land Management (RBLM) and rehabilitation of radioactively contaminated territories on the basis of integrating monitoring data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), models and decision support tools is presented in this paper. The key blocks of the PRANA DSS, developed for scientific and practical needs for model assessments and decision-making support within the rehabilitation of radioactively contaminated territories of Bryansk region (Russia) after the Chernobyl accident are described. Examples of PRANA implementation for applied assessments are considered.
Zahringer, Matthias, and Erich Wirth. 2007. The interaction between off-site decision making, decision support systems, modeling and monitoring in a nuclear emergency situation. International Journal of Emergency Management 4, no. 3: 564-72.
Abstract: The interaction and inter-dependence between decision making, Decision Support Systems (DSS) and measurements in a radiological emergency situation is discussed. Data and DSS products of importance are identified in different phases of an accident. Planning of decision making must focus on comprehensible and clear concepts. In the early phase, clear and unambiguous model prognoses are needed for fast decision making. However, the input data are highly uncertain and disputable. During cloud passage the options for decision making are limited. After cloud passage, decision making and monitoring are highly interactive and the efficacy of countermeasures requires that both DSS and measurement programs be well tailored. Data must be representative and of sufficient number where decisions refer to Derived Emergency Reference Levels (DERL for food and feed). In the late phase, the DSS should enable decision makers to balance cost, environmental impact, averted dose and adverse psychological effects.