The book contains the contributions at the NATO Advanced Study Institute
on Chemicals as Intentional and Accidental Global Environmental Threats,
which took place in Borovetz, Bulgaria, November 16-27, 2005. A diverse
group of scientists, representing the fields of ecology, chemistry,
medicine, epidemiology, public health, toxicology, risk assessment,
environmental protection and management, modelling, environmental
remediation technologies came together to discuss the chemicals threats
for the global environment. The intentional or accidental release of
chemicals into environment poses a global threat to public health and
security. There is a forecast that terrorists could begin to use more
advanced technologies including chemicals to threaten or attack civil
and political institutions. Terrorism is expected to increase the threat
of chemicals in environment through direct release of chemical agents or
sabotage of existing chemical facilities. The intentional release of
chemicals into environment can cause widespread panic, injury and
mortality due to the potentials of exposure of large population. In
addition, the management of accidental chemical releases and historical
chemical contamination represents a significant economic burden to
society.