A Study on the Damage Range of Hazardous Chemical Release Accidents According to Seasonal Changes

Byung-Jin Choi; Young-Ho Jung; Doo-Sung Choi

doi:10.21086/ksles.2024.12.31.6.543

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2024 Vol.31, Issue 6 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

A Study on the Damage Range of Hazardous Chemical Release Accidents According to Seasonal Changes 계절 변화에 따른 유해화학물질 누출 사고 피해 범위에 대한 연구

31 December 2024. pp. 543-561

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Abstract

This study analyzes the distribution and impact range of hazardous chemical leakage accidents by season, with a specific focus on ammonia dispersion. Using the CALPUFF atmospheric dispersion model, it investigates how seasonal variations in temperature, wind speed, humidity, and atmospheric stability affect ammonia leakage dispersion patterns, distances, affected areas, directions, and populations. The findings reveal that during spring and fall, active atmospheric mixing results in a broader dispersion area, with spring afternoons experiencing an affected area of up to 1.55 km² at the AEGL-1 level. Conversely, in winter, the dispersion range is limited, but higher concentrations are observed closer to the source, particularly in the morning. Summer sees rapid dispersion due to high temperatures and atmospheric instability, resulting in lower concentrations but a more extensive affected area. In terms of impact distance, the AEGL-1 level reached up to 0.6 km in spring and fall, while the life-threatening AEGL-3 level remained within 0.1 km during winter. Directional analysis showed higher vulnerability in the southwest and west directions in spring and fall, while winter dispersion was mostly confined to the northwest. Population impact assessment highlighted that legal districts B and C near the industrial complex showed the highest exposure risk, with district B experiencing AEGL-1 level exposure in winter mornings and district C experiencing AEGL-2 level exposure in summer afternoons. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need to adjust response strategies based on seasonal and meteorological conditions. It offers valuable insights for emergency response planning and proposes ways to mitigate health risks from hazardous chemical leaks through optimized evacuation routes, prioritized protection of vulnerable populations, and seasonally tailored real-time safety protocols.

Keywords

Calpuff model

Ammonia

AEGL

Chemical accident

Seasonal changes

References

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 31
No :6
Pages :543-561
Received Date : 2024-10-31
Revised Date : 2024-12-31
Accepted Date : 2024-12-31
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2024.12.31.6.543

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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