Chemical Industry and Safety

The chemical industry, more than any other industry, is perceived as a threat to humans, society, and the environment. Nevertheless, the benefits resulting from this activity cannot be negated health, crop protection, new material, colors, textiles, and so on. This negative perception is more enhanced after major accidents, such as those at Seveso and Bhopal. Even though such catastrophic incidents are rare, they are spectacular and retain public attention. Thus, a fundamental question is raised What risk does society accept regarding the benefits of an activity, of a product Such a question assumes that one is able-a priori-to assess the corresponding risk. 

In the present chapter, we focus on the methods of risk analysis as they are performed in the chemical industry, and especially in fine chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. 

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