Technological hazards

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About technological hazards

Technological hazards refer to danger originating from technological or industrial accidents, dangerous procedures, infrastructure failures or certain human activities, which may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation.

Some examples: industrial pollution, nuclear activities and radioactivity, toxic wastes, dam failures; transport, industrial or technological accidents (explosions, fires, spills).


Technological hazards include hazardous materials incidents and nuclear power plant failures. Usually, little or no warning precedes incidents involving technological hazards. In many cases, victims may not know they have been affected until many years later. (FEMA; 2008)


Related Internet links

FEMA on technological hazards

Early warning for technological hazards: UN/ISDR; October 1997


Related pages

Natural hazards