Nuclear accident property loss

System safety evolved as a discipline because of a compelling need for first-time safety in systems where accidents could be catastrophic. During the three decades since the origins of system safety, the number of systems with potential for catastrophic failure has dramatically increased. In addition to expanded requirements in the nuclear and aerospace industries, catastrophic losses in terms of injury, property damage, and environmental impact can result from single mishaps in surface transportation, chemical operations, facilities, and conventional weapon systems. Mass production and distribution of flawed products and services can also produce disastrous losses. The original motivation for system safety is still present but now applies to more and more areas. 

A2. One commonly used type of risk evaluation is that of the increment in probability that an individual will suffer a fatal injury or illness as a result of radiation exposure (the increment in individual health risk). However, an evaluation of the consequences of a potential major accident at a nuclear installation may have to consider types of harmful effects other than just increments in individual health risks. Such effects may include the potential total number of fatalities or injuries attributable to radiation exposure, long term restrictions on land use, disnqition of normal life, damage to the installation and other property, and loss of production. These, collectively, may be referred to as societal risk. 

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