Estimation of Damage Effects

W. G. High, C.Eng., B.Sc., F.I.Mech.E. Consultant, Burgoyne Consultants (Estimation of Damage Effects)... 

Evaluate the potential consequences associated with major and minor loss-of-containment events and other possible emergency situations involving the hazardous materials and energies ana take this information into account in the process of site selection and facility layout and the evaluation of the adequacy of personnel, public, and environmental protection (Source Models, Atmospheric Dispersion, Estimation of Damage Effects). 

Evaluate the risks associated with the process and its safety systems taken as a whole, including consideration of people, property, business, and the environment, that could be affected by loss events and determine whether the risks have been adequately reduced (Hazard Analysis, Risk Analysis, Source Models, Atmospheric Dispersion, Estimation of Damage Effects). 

Early field surveys depended on identification of a syndrome of responses that included symptoms on both native and cultivated plant species. Middleton and Paulus directed the first large-scale survey to determine the extent and severity of photochemical-oxidant effects in California on crops of agronomic importance. Th delineated four categories of crops (field, flower, fruit, and vegetable) and one of weeds. This was the most extensive survey of oxidant effects until the late 1960 s. The information was later used as a basis for subjective estimates of economic losses. This type of visual assessment of foliar injury has been attempted in many states and has been purposefully developed in some for use in economic estimates of damage to vegetation. 

Consequence—The direct, undesirable result of an accidentsequence usually involving a fire, explosion, or release of toxic material. Consequence descriptions may be qualitative or quantitative estimates of the effects of an accident in terms of factors such as health impacts, economic loss, and environmental damage. 

Risk estimation. Hie estimation of effect per unit of exposure. There are two components estimation of mutagenic effects on germ cells (damage) and estimation of effects on health and welfare of future generations (impact). 

Risk Estimation. In this step, the effect per unit of exposure is estimated. For genetic effects, there are two components estimation of damage to germ cells, and estimation of impact on future generations. To estimate genetic risk, results from germinal tests in the mouse can be used to extrapolate to possible human effects. 

Estimates of pressures inside the cloud vary widely. Gugan (1978) calculated that the forces required to produce damage effects observed, such as the bending of steel, would have required local pressures of up to 5-10 bar. 

A more deterministic estimate of a vapor cloud s blast-damage potential is possible only if the actual conditions within the cloud are considered. This is the starting point in the multienergy concept for vapor cloud explosion blast modeling (Van den Berg 1985). Harris and Wickens (1989) make use of this concept by suggesting that blast effects be modeled by applying a 20% TNT equivalency only to that portion of the vapor cloud which is partially confined and/or obstructed. 

In the case of health effects, other methods than stated or revealed preference methods are often used to estimate the impact of externalities and valuating the human health damages. Both productivity losses and costs for hospital admissions or other hospital-related activities are used to monetize health effects. Of special importance for the valuation of health effects are the metrics Value of a Statistical Life / Value of Prevented Fatality (VSL, VOSL or VPF) and Value of a Life Year Lost (VOLY). 

So the indoor emissions need a specific fate and exposure modelling. In Meijer et al. [16, 17] a characterization model and characterization factors for indoor emissions are presented. In the articles also indoor emissions of some building materials are estimated and their effects are calculated. It is concluded that damage effects of indoor emissions cannot be neglected. 

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