Energy Damage and the Ten Countermeasure Strategies

Abstract

A major class of ecologic phenomena involves the transfer of energy in such ways and amounts, and at such rapid rates, that inanimate or animate structures are damaged. The harmful interactions with people and property of hurricanes, earthquakes, projectiles, moving vehicles, ionizing radiation, lightning, conflagrations, and the cuts and bruises of daily life illustrate this class. There are ten strategies for reducing the human and other losses that make this class of social concern. These are identified in logical sequence and copiously illustrated by tactics widely employed. The reduction of animate and inanimate damage due to interaction with most environmental hazards, including pollutants, drugs, and microorganisms can be approached in the same manner, as can strategies for population control. Appendices provide additional examples and four illustrative case studies concerned, respectively, with reducing: losses associated with femoral fractures among the elderly; thermal energy damage to children and others; drownings; mob damage to the White House or other private or public building.