Hot zone (environment)

Hot zone, also written as hot-zone or hotzone, refers to an area that is considered to be dangerous. It generally entails special equipment to protect occupants.

History

Etymology

The term "hot zone" was likely coined during the Cold war where it described locations rendered hazardous due to nuclear contamination. The term was later extended to areas or locations considered to be hazardous such as Level-4 Biosafety labs, places in which there is active conflict, and so forth.

The term "Hot Zone" was popularized by the book The Hot Zone by Richard Preston, and the film Outbreak.

Biological

Hazardous biological agents can induce a hot zone, as occupants are in danger of becoming infected.

Precautions

Precautions are taken in a gradient level of protection.

Chemical

Hazardous chemicals can induce a hot zone, as occupants are in danger of it disrupting their biological processes.

Nuclear

Nuclear contamination can induce a hot zone, as occupants are in danger of radiation.

Violence

Violence can induce a hot zone, as occupants are subject to cross-fire.

See also

* The Hot Zone
* Zone of alienation

References

Notes

Bibliography

Further reading

External links