Chemical Emergencies Summary When a hazardous chemical has been released, it may harm people’s health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident. They could also be planned, as in the case of a terrorist attack with a chemical weapon. Some hazardous chemicals have been developed by military organizations for use in warfare. Examples are nerve agents such as sarin and VX. Many hazardous chemicals are used in industry – for example, chlorine, ammonia, and benzene. Some can be made from everyday items such as household cleaners. Although there are no guarantees of safety during a chemical emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed. You may need help in finding ways to cope. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness Department of Homeland Security Chemical Agents Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chemical Agents: Facts about Evacuation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chemical Agents: Facts about Sheltering in Place Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chemical Agents: Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chemical Emergencies Healthy Roads Media Chemical Emergencies Overview Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chemical Emergency American Red Cross Chemical pneumonitis Household Chemical Emergencies Department of Homeland Security http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/chemical-emergency National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Sheltering in Place Healthy Roads Media Sirens and Telephone Alerts Healthy Roads Media Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ToxFAQs Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry TOXNET: Toxicology Data Network National Library of Medicine Journal Articles Chemical Emergencies
