On the evaporation kinetics of volatile HNS: A key challenge for Marine Pollution response

Abstract : Release of volatile Hazard Noxious Substances (HNS) at sea can lead to the formation of toxic, flammable or even explosive gas plumes that can travel large distances and pose risks over a wide area in relatively short timescales. Yet, when an emergency is declared, key information is not always available for all the needs of responders. A case in point is the lack of knowledge and data to assess the risks that responders or rescue teams could take when intervening, or those that could impact coastal communities when allowing a shipping casualty to dock at a place of refuge. Evidence-based decisions are thus needed to inform maritime authorities in terms of detection and monitoring in order to protect crews, responders, coastal populations as well as the environment.