(I) Modern technology has increased not only the
amount of pollution but also the potential for accidents
in the storing or handling of dangerous nuclear or
chemical pollutants. (II) An accident with toxic chemicals
is often beyond the control of many of the affected
people and thus may create extreme feelings of
helplessness. (III) People tend to deal with problems
produced by pollution either by ignoring the threat or by
concentrating on the impact the pollution will have on
them personally. (IV) Indeed, these accidents may occur
quite randomly, as in a train derailment or a tank-car
accident, and thus quite unpredictably. (V) Furthermore,
the fear of accidents may pervade the entire
neighbourhood near industries where dangerous
chemicals are used or manufactured, providing
long-lasting stress for residents.