Chemicals play an important part in today's world and are used in many industries, agricultural operations, medicine, research and everyday products for consumers such as fuel, cleaning agents, products to improve health and preserve foods.

Hazardous materials are chemical substances that can be explosive, flammable or combustible, poisons or radioactive materials which may be released into the environment as the result of an industrial or transportation incident.

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 is federal legislation that requires the establishment of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) which are responsible for the development of plans to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies (SARA Title III).  

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Hazardous chemical emergency information - Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention (CDC)

Mercury management - NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

Mercury spills, disposal and site clean-up procedures - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Identifying common household chemicals guide - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness  - FEMA provides information on sheltering-in-place and evacuation procedures in the event of a hazardous materials spill. It also provides a guide for buying and storage of home chemicals, symptoms of toxic poisoning and procedures to follow if a spill occurs in the home.

U.S. Dept. of Transportation regulates routes used by carriers of hazardous materials that are crossing state lines.

Cornell University’s Environmental Health & Safety Program provides instructions for the Cornell community to prepare for and respond to chemical and radiological incidents that might occur in laboratories.

Facts about Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing 

Chemical Agents: Facts About Evacuation 

Fact Sheets on Specific Chemical Agents