Decade of Risk: Contributions of Alternative Surveillance to Chemical Incidents

Abstract

This study examines the problem of chemical incidents in Ecuador during the period 2013–2023, using information gathered through rumor monitoring and a comprehensive review of newspaper articles. The analysis identifies 39 chemical incidents with a total of 382 victims, with a prevalence in coastal areas due to the intensity of their industrial, fishing, and agricultural activities. The findings reveal critical deficiencies in risk management, such as the lack of a systematic incident registry and weak control and monitoring mechanisms, factors that hinder informed decision-making and effective prevention. Rumor monitoring, as a strategy complementary to formal channels, allows for assessing the true magnitude of the problem and detecting emerging risk patterns. It is imperative to establish a comprehensive chemical management model in Ecuador that encompasses strengthening the regulatory framework, providing technical training for personnel, fostering a safety culture, and investing in technological innovation. Integrating this unconventional monitoring as an additional tool is key to identifying unreported incidents and strengthening official information. Such actions are fundamental to ensuring a safer and more sustainable national environment.