1. Tick (✓) the correct option.
a. Which of the following is not a man-made disaster?
(a) chemical disaster (b) biological disaster (c) nuclear disaster (d) earthquake
iv. earthquake
Earthquakes are natural disasters caused by tectonic movements, not human activities.
b. Which type of disaster was the Chernobyl disaster of 1986?
(a) biological disaster (b) nuclear disaster (c) chemical disaster (d) earthquake
ii. nuclear disaster
The Chernobyl accident involved a nuclear reactor explosion, releasing massive radiation.
c. Read the information given below. Identify the type of disaster.
A gas leak in a gear manufacturing company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, caused a massive explosion and subsequent fire. Forty-seven people were injured, three died, and several buildings were destroyed.
(a) chemical disaster (b) biological disaster (c) nuclear disaster (d) earthquake
i. chemical disaster
The disaster resulted from a hazardous chemical (gas) leak, leading to explosion and fire.
(d)What steps should be taken in case of a biological disaster?
Steps:
I. Avoid entering mouth and nose to inhale continuously.
II. Tune into an emergency news broadcast.
III. Wash hands after coughing.
IV. If symptoms are observed, avoid close contact with people.
(i) Only I (ii) Only I and II (iii) Only II and III and IV (iv) All I, II and III and IV
All I, II, III and IV
During a biological outbreak, covering nose/mouth, staying informed, maintaining hygiene, and isolating if symptomatic are all crucial to limit exposure and spread.
Which of the following is true regarding pandemics?
I. Pandemics are restricted to a particular region and do not affect a large number of people as compared to epidemics.
II. Cholera and Plague are examples of pandemics.
(i) Only I (ii) Only II (iii) Both I and II (iv) Neither I and II.
Only II
Statement I is false: pandemics spread across large regions or globally, affecting more people than epidemics. Statement II is true: both cholera and plague have caused historical pandemics.
2. Answer in 10–20 words.
a. What safety measures will you take during a fire accident?
Stay low to avoid smoke, cover your nose with a damp cloth, and evacuate immediately using stairs, not elevators.
b. How can we protect ourselves from nuclear radiation and attack?
Stay indoors in a sealed room, use shielding like concrete or lead, and follow official instructions for evacuation or iodine tablets.
c. What are chemical disasters?
Chemical disasters are accidental releases of toxic substances from industrial facilities, causing harm to health, property, and the environment.
3. Answer in 50–70 words.
a. How would you protect yourself from a chemical disaster?
During a chemical disaster, evacuate quickly upwind if possible. If indoors, seal windows and doors, turn off ventilation, and listen to emergency alerts. Use a mask or wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth. Avoid contact with contaminated surfaces or water until authorities declare the area safe.
b. How would you recognise the presence of poisonous gas in the air? What measures will you take to protect yourself against it?
Signs include unusual odours (e.g., rotten eggs), visible fumes, sudden dizziness or nausea in people, and dead plants. Immediately cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth, move perpendicular to the wind direction, and evacuate to higher ground. Seek medical help if symptoms arise.
c. Write a brief note on the Chernobyl Disaster of 1986.
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine (then USSR). During a safety test, reactor number 4 exploded due to design flaws and operator errors, releasing massive radioactive material. It caused immediate deaths, long-term cancers, and forced large-scale evacuations. The event exposed flaws in nuclear safety and led to global reforms in reactor design and emergency protocols.
d. Write a brief note on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy took place on December 2–3, 1984, at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. A leak of methyl isocyanate gas exposed over 500,000 people, killing thousands instantly and causing chronic health issues for survivors. Lax safety standards and poor maintenance were blamed. It remains the world’s worst industrial disaster, highlighting the need for stringent corporate accountability and industrial safety regulations.
4. Identify the type and cause of the disaster. (Based on Milwaukee gas leak)
Type: Chemical disaster
Cause: A gas leak in a gear manufacturing company led to an explosion and fire.
List any two effects of the disaster.
- Casualties: 47 people injured and 3 deaths.
- Property damage: Several buildings destroyed.
Suggest any three steps to avoid such disasters in the future.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and maintenance of gas lines and storage units.
- Implement strict emergency response plans and conduct routine drills for employees.
- Use advanced leak-detection systems and automatic shutoff valves to prevent accidental releases.
5. Think Ahead [HOTS]: Why should nuclear reactors be built away from cities?
Nuclear reactors should be located far from cities to minimize the risk to dense populations in case of accidents, radiation leaks, or terrorist attacks. Remote sites provide a natural buffer zone, reducing potential health impacts and allowing more effective evacuation and emergency response. They also limit environmental contamination in urban areas and reduce public anxiety about nearby hazards.