Pollution

Pollution

Resilience in Petrochemical Industries facing NaTech Accidents: Identification of Key Dimensions and Components - A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors
1 Department of Disaster & Emergency Health, School of Health Management & Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Occupational Health Research Center, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Disaster & Emergency Health, School of Health Management & Information Sciences, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/poll.2026.415095.3346
Abstract
Petrochemical industries are vulnerable to NaTech accidents, in which natural hazards trigger technological failures that may cause fires, explosions, hazardous releases, and environmental contamination. Resilience is therefore essential not only for industrial safety and operational continuity, but also for pollution prevention, public health protection, and environmental risk reduction. This systematic review synthesized evidence on the dimensions and operationalization of resilience in petrochemical industries exposed to NaTech risks.
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, international and national databases were searched for studies published up to July 2025. Eligible English- and Persian-language empirical studies, technical reports, and official guidelines were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal using CASP and JBI tools. Findings were synthesized through Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach with MAXQDA.
Twenty-three studies from seven countries met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of 346 initial codes identified seven themes: preparedness, comprehensive risk management, infrastructure and equipment development, emergency response, operational continuity, recovery, and knowledge and technology management. Resilience emerged as a dynamic capability shaped by technical, human, organizational, and institutional factors. Risk identification, hazardous material control, safe design, monitoring, and layered barriers were central, while post-event recovery, environmental remediation, and long-term pollution impacts remained underexplored overall.
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