Anthropogenic Disasters on Bulgarian Territory: Chemical Accidents on Land and at Sea

Abstract

Natural and anthropogenic disasters become more frequent worldwide. As technology advances, the risk of major industrial accidents increases. Often accidents in the chemical and oil industry, in agriculture, or during transportation, lead to mass poisoning and extensive environmental pollution. The particularities of the medical support in case of such chemical incidents are challenging the healthcare system. The article aims to analyze the chemical accidents and the measures taken to reduce their effect in Bulgaria and in the Black sea aquatory. Historical and documentary methods have been used to gather information on disasters and accidents in Bulgaria, where toxic chemicals have been released into the environment, causing material damage and human casualties. We have researched and analyzed various articles and publications in Bulgarian and foreign scientific journals on the subject. Major industrial and transport accidents in the last 50-60 years on land and water had been selected from the literature sources. Both the reasons that led to them and the measures which were taken to eliminate the consequences were discussed. The major industrial accidents with a release of industrial toxic substances into the environment are relatively common and result in contaminating large areas and many casualties. Chemical accidents at sea are indicative of the need for joint action by different organizations to quickly overcome and avoid environmental impact. The risk of industrial poisonous substances entering the environment is significant and measures to avoid such accidents have to be taken, as well as training of a wide range of health professionals and the general public on the proper behaviour in case of a chemical disaster.