Dr. Jason Levy, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hazards Planning

Technological Disasters in Canada:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Hazards

A. Asgary, A. Goli & J.K. Levy, Canadian Technological Disaster Atlas, presented at the International Accident Prevention Association Conference. This work builds on Levy and Asgary (2006): "Advances in Technological Disaster Analysis: Case Studies of Canadian Technological Disasters", delivered at the 16th World Conference on Disaster Management, Toronto, Canada (June 18-21, 2006).

Abstract: Technological disaster events are major crises that can threaten infrastructure viability and lead to large-scale social disruption, including losses of life and property. Businesses and industries are often located in high-risk areas and may receive the most severe impacts. Disasters arising from technological hazards are typically caused by various factors (human errors, technical factors, organizational factors, socio-cultural factors, and intentional actions); have a sudden onset; lead to unprecedented consequences; and may be difficult to anticipate. Despite this complexity, uncertainty and randomness, various methods and tools can be used to understand causes and patterns of technological disasters. Such techniques include mapping and spatial analysis models such as exploratory spatial analysis and spatial correlation analysis.

The number of technological disasters has been increasing worldwide. Technological disasters are the second largest group of disasters after weather related disasters in Canada. Since 1900 there have been 179 reported technological disasters (total of 995 disasters). This paper maps and analyses the spatial patterns of previous Canadian technological disasters. In this framework, the spatial modeling and analysis of technologic events provides insights into the spatial patterns of previous disasters. As well, an analysis is carried out in order to investigate how local factors correlate with technologic disasters. The main result is the creation of a GIS database of Canadian technological disasters (and their spatial attributes) using a number of spatial analysis models.
Canadian Technological Disasters Poster by A. Asgary, A. Goli & J.K. Levy

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ontact Information
Dr. Jason K. Levy
Hazards Planning and Management
Water Resources Research Center
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Holmes Hall 283
2540 Dole St.
Honolulu, HI
USA
96822

Email:    jlevy at hawaii dot edu

Technological Disasters in Canada: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Hazards

Technological Disasters in Canada:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Hazards