What term describes serious events caused intentionally or by a failure of a manmade system?

The term that describes serious events caused intentionally or by a failure of a manmade system is man-made disasters. This designation encompasses incidents such as industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear incidents, and acts of terrorism, which can result in significant harm to individuals, property, and the environment.

Man-made disasters often arise from negligence, poor planning, or deliberate actions that lead to unintended catastrophic outcomes. In contrast, natural events are phenomena like earthquakes or floods, which occur without human intervention. Environmental emergencies typically refer to events that may have a natural origin but lead to a detrimental impact on ecosystems, whereas biological hazards focus specifically on organisms or substances that pose a risk to health.

Understanding the distinction between these categories is essential for implementing appropriate safety protocols and emergency response strategies, aligning with foundational principles in safety and infection control.