Some epidemiologic features of disasters in guatemala

Epidemiological procedures can be organised under disaster conditions by means of a simple surveillance system and with few personnel.
In the aftermath of the 4 February 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, an information system was organized by which the requisite information for decision-making was obtained with adequate speed and promptness.
The initial epidemiologic informution was based on reports collected during the early days on symptoms observed at hospitals and health centers and in localities and villages in the stricken area.
At a second, post-emergency stage a more elaborate surveillance system was instituted to provide guidance in the investigntwn of outbreaks, evaluate the health activities and establish basic criteria for preventive and control measures.     

Traceability,quality assurance,and standards

The development of traceability in low-level radioactivity measurements is discussed. The role that the development of large quantities of natural matrix standards can play is also discussed.     

Who cleans up the oil? A microeconomic study

Although oil spill cleanup requirements have existed in the United States for years, recent increases in oil imports and marine transportation of petroleum products as well as growing environmental concern have exposed a new industry, the Oil Spill Cleanup Industry. This paper explores some of the microeconomic aspects of this industry which has come under increased scrutiny by the general public, big business, and the federal government.In addition to a brief history and definition, several basic questions about the economic viability of the oil spill cleanup industry are raised and explored, and the impact on the industry of cleanup from government sources is examined, both from the perspective of present operations and from apparent future increases in federal participation. The primary dilemma facing the industry, that of providing continued and immediate supply while confronted with stochastic demand, is discussed. The effects of the large spill on the industry both in terms of revenue and ability to meet cleanup requirements is also considered.Information for the paper is drawn from past and continuing involvement in the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Environmental Protection Program by both authors. The statistical evidence presented here was compiled through personal interviews and from two computerized Coast Guard information systems; PIRS (the Pollution Incident Reporting System), and SKIM (the Spill Cleanup Equipment Inventory System).     

Bereavement and mourning after a shipping disaster: The case for intervention

This paper describes the help given by the social services department of a shipping company to bereaved families following a shipping disaster. In the absence of clear, factual and prompt information from an authoritative source, there is a tendency for bereaved individuals to deny their loss and thereby delay the process of mourning and eventual recovery. Appropriate intervention and support can help to overcome this tendency as was seen in the Madasa case.