Scientists and disaster management

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Abstract
When disasters, even natural ones, have a chemical or nuclear dimension, scientists play a major role in their management. Presents the results of research on Canadian disasters, and includes other cases of disasters that occurred around the world. Discusses the experts′ role in decisions related to the response: how to identify a specific product, its impact on health, for example, in a climate of uncertainty; how to justify their methods, to the press, the politicians and the victims as well as to the public. This “glass‐house” working atmosphere is very different from the one in which they carry out their routine analyses. Therefore their ability to communicate and their credibility are very important aspects of their role.