Risks in Technological Systems

It is true that no technology is free from risk associated with it. It is a basically a question of what the human society can tolerate and what it cannot? It is left to choose between the technologies and their alternatives based on the acceptable level of risk. This is a very good introductory book on technological risks. It develops historically how the concept of risk developed over time and how one can deal with it analytically and manage it.  The authors of various chapters have been working in their respective area of expertise. The book covers a very wide area of engineering applications and is quite informative and practically covers all aspects of risk in technological systems (excluding financial risk) but the book is not intended for researchers or analysts who may be looking for new developments in the area.  Dwelling on the historical developments the books takes a reader on a journey through the developments in transportation and automobile systems starting with steam engine and turbines to air, rail, road and shipping. Risks associated with conversion of energy be it thermal, hydro, gas or even nuclear have been introduced. Risks associated with buildings and man-made structures including risks from fire and explosions find coverage in this book. Limits to exposures to chemical and radiation dozes and noise along with other health hazards to human beings have been discussed. Even the security risks due to developments in information technology find coverage in this informatory book.  The reviewer feels that the book can serve as good source of information on all kinds of technological risks and as such should appeal to a beginner or a student of engineering who likes to have a panoramic view of risks associated with various technological developments of our time. Obviously such a large compendium of number of topics would lack the depth of treatment of the subject. A chapter on value of life is quite appropriate but should have been the starting point of any discussion on technological risks.

Krishna B. Misra

This review has been published in the International Journal of Performability Engineering in Vol. 6 , No. 2, March , 2010 on page 180.