Risk Of Chemical Industry Activities example essay topic

In the past, toxins released into the environment were not a large concern to officials in Italy. However, there, and in every country of the world, it is a growing concern. Delegates from Italy and other countries from the United Nations met in 1995 to discuss this matter, and implement settlements that would aid in the reduction of this problem. The meeting was called to discuss this and other issues of human relations, but it fell among the most consequential subjects considered.

With a coastline of approximately 7,100 km, it is crucial that Italy makes a strong effort to protect the oceans from being contaminated with toxins. Over 1500 km of the coast is in a state of erosion. But with the addition of ports, wharves, and protective works, there are over 600 km that are lined with concrete defenses. The quality of he seawater has improved since the institution of these borders, and in studies the percent of favorable water samples increased from 91.4% in 1992, to 93.9% in 1995. In 1993, 16,244 tons of chemical wastes were moved in Italian Ports, of which 12,048 were being imported, and 7,196 being exported. Eight marine reserves have been instituted.

In Italy, nuclear waste and radiated fuel derived from the operation ofelectronuclear centers are managed by the plants producing them. They are temporarily housed in engineered depots built specifically for this purpose. Radioactive waste from medical, hospital, industrial, and research activity is managed mostly by authorized industrial workers. The limited diffusion of depots and the concentration of management in a limited number of installations with a restricted number of qualified officials designates better control over the activities, and assures the necessary guarantees of nuclear security and protection of workers and the entire population.

Based on DPR 175/1988 and later laws of implementation, there are 440 industrial plants at risk of a significant accident, a large percentage of which is represented by chemical and petrochemical industries and depots. Many decrees, the most recent in early 1996, have introduced stricter criteria for the preparation and assessment of safety reports for risky plants. A new drive to control the risk of chemical industry activities will be adopted by the EU Directive called seve so 2, which Italy will attempt to incorporate into national law quickly. Approximately 90 Italian chemical firms, with 233 production centers, belong to the Responsible Care program, which strives to lower environmental pollution, as well as the risk of accidents. They also aim to make more rational use of prime materials. It is the opinion of the Italian delegation to the UN that it is the responsibility ofthe United Nations to aid and support each country individually as needed to manage and dispose of hazardous materials.

We believe that a fund should be designated to aid impecunious nations in building treatment and storage facilities for hazardous material, and that it should be dispensed after case-sensitive evaluations are made of nations who apply for financial assistance. Furthermore, it is our belief that the UN forces should be instituted to contain hazardous materials immediately, that create an unsafe situation for inhabitants of areas incapable or unwilling, for whatever reason, to do so themselves. Lastly, we believe that it is necessary for the United Nations to aid in the maintenance of already existing laws and establishments regarding treatment, storage, and disposal of toxic waste and chemicals, as well as amend these and produce new ones as deemed necessary by the Special Committee.