Risk Benefit Analysis Essay

Chemical engineers today face a major dilemma when it comes to deciding what should hold paramount, economic gain or moral statute? Many practicing engineers are faced with problems that result from the consequences of their engineering decisions. Engineers have to realize the importance of proper engineering decisions and how one should act when faced with a problem such as deciding what comes first safety or economic gain. When faced with such a problem, engineers often employ the risk-benefit analysis to determine what the best course of action is regarding a given scenario. The analysis allows for the acceptance of a decision despite its risk as long as the benefits of such an act is greater than that of the risk. As such, chemical engineers specifically have to utilize this type of analysis when it comes to deciding whether a system is …show more content…
Mainly, flare stacks are used when unplanned over-pressuring of a vessel occurs. This type of gas disposal is sometimes overlooked and not kept up to the regulations. Therefore, some flare stacks release harmful gases into the atmosphere and cause negative environmental effects. Operated flare stacks that are improperly used, release harmful chemicals such as methane, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), sulfur dioxide, aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzopyrene. Methane, VOC’s, and sulfur dioxide are known to exacerbate asthma and worsen other respiratory problems. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene are known carcinogens. Furthermore, if the flare stacks do operate by design, they can still cause harm to wildlife by the means of attraction. The flame from the flare stacks attracts insects and birds. “Approximately 7,500 migrating songbirds were attracted to and killed by the flare at the liquefied natural gas terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick,