Industrial development is essential to improvement of the standard of
living in all countries. In a given region, old and new plants,
processes, and technologies have to coexist. Technological penetration
and substitution processes are generally taking place; they are entirely
dynamic and this trend is going to stay like this. People's health and
the environment can be affected, directly or indirectly by routine waste
discharges or by accidents. A series of recent major industrial
accidents and the effect of pollution highlighted, once again, the need
for better management of routine and accidental risks. Moreover, the
existence of natural hazards complicate even more the situation in any
given region. In the past effort to cope with these risks, if made at
all, have been largely on a plant by plant basis; some plants are well
equipped to manage environmental hazards while others are not. Managing
the hazards of modern technological systems has become a key activity in
highly industrialized countries. Decision makers are often confronted
with complex issues concerning economic and social development,
industrialization and associated infrastructure needs, population and
land use planning. Such issues have to be addressed in such a way that
ensures that public health will not be disrupted or substantially
degraded.