"In the burgeoning literature on technological hazards, this volume is one of the best," states Choice in a three-part approach, it addresses the moral, scientific, social, and commercial questions inherent in hazards management. Part I discusses how best to regulate hazards arising from chronic, low-level exposures and from low-probability events when science is unable to assign causes or estimate consequences of such hazards; Part II examines fairness in the distribution of risks and benefits of potentially hazardous technologies; and Part III presents practical lessons and cautions about managing hazardous technologies. Together, the three sections put hazard management into perspective, providing a broad spectrum of views and information.

Contents

• [The National Academies]
• SYMPOSIUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
• PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• INTRODUCTION: EMERGING ISSUES IN HAZARD MANAGEMENT
• PART 1. UNCERTAINTY
  • Science and Its Limits: The Regulator's Dilemma
    • Science and Rare Events
    • The Attack on Science from the Sociology of Knowledge
    • Finessing Uncertainty
    • Conclusions
    • References
  • Causality of a Given Cancer After Known Radiation Exposure
    • Accidental Harm in Populations of Exposed Persons
    • Quantal Response in a Population of Harmed Persons
    • Radiotherahy or Accidental High-Level Radiation Exposure
    • Low-Level Exposure of Normal Populations
    • Radiobiological Response Functions
    • Probability of Causation in Cancer Cases
    • References
  • Dealing With Uncertainty About Risk in Risk Management
    • Risk Versus Uncertainty
    • Conservatism in Risk Assessment: Comments
    • De Minimis Risk
    • Conclusions
    • References
  • Scientists, Engineers, and the Burdens of Occupational Exposure: The Case of the Lead Standard
    • Background of the OSHA Lead Standard
    • Hearings on the OSHA Standard: Science, Politics, and the Clash of Interests
    • The Final Lead Standard
    • Conclusions
    • References
• PART 2. EQUITY AND COMPENSATION
  • Hypersusceptibility to Occupational Hazards
    • Hypersusceptible Groups
    • Screening and Monitoring
    • Fairness
    • References
  • The Bhopalization of American Tort Law
    • Tort Law, Old and New
    • Can the Legal System Cope?
    • The Agencies and the Courts
    • Public Risks and Political Legitimacy
    • References
  • Hazards Equity: A Perspective on the Compensation System
    • The Principle of Foreseeability
    • The Principle of Joint and Several Liability Without Contribution
    • Modifying the Application of Common Law Principles
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Hazardous Waste Facility Siting: Community, Firm, and Governmental Perspectives
    • Key Problems in Facility Siting
    • Major Approaches to Siting: A Critique
    • Toward a New Approach
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
  • Hazard Compensation and Incentive Systems: An Economic Perspective
    • Problem Characteristics
    • Designing Incentive Systems for Protective Activities
    • Compensation in Siting Technological Facilities
    • Conclusions
    • References
• PART 3. MANAGING TECHNOLOGICAL HAZARDS
  • Economic, Legal, and Practical Problems in Hazardous Waste Cleanup and Management
    • How Clean is Clean?
    • Economic Considerations
    • Legal Problems
    • Practical Problems
    • Hazardous and Industrial Waste Enforcement
    • Prospects for Long-term Management
    • Conclusion
  • Focusing Private-Sector Action on Public Hazards
    • Hazardous Waste Cleanup: The Scope of the Problem
    • Clean Sites Inc.: Goals and Organization
    • What Can Clean Sites Inc. Do?
    • Directions for the Future
    • References
  • The Bhopal Tragedy Prologue to Chapter by John F. Ahearne
  • Three Mile Island and Bhopal: Lessons Learned and Not Learned
    • Lessons for Industry
    • Lessons for Regulators
    • The Public
    • Transnational Corporations
    • Scientists and Engineers
    • References
  • Managing Technological Hazards: Success, Strain, and Surprise
    • Institutions of Hazard Management
    • The Persistence of Surprise
    • Limits to Hazard Management
    • Technological and Behavioral Fixes
    • Shifting Attitudes, Institutions, and Activities
    • Acknowledgments
    • References
• ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Funds for the National Academy of Engineering's Symposium Series on Technology and Social Priorities are provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Academy's Technological Leadership Program. The views expressed in this volume are those of the authors and are not presented as the views of the Mellon Foundation, Carnegie Corporation, or the National Academy of Engineering.