Hazardous material, toxic, and industrial events

Hazardous material (HazMat) incidents are increasingly prevalent due to the continuing rapid growth and globalization of the chemical industry. Industrial accidents can be described by the initiating event, which can be one or more of the following: human error, environmental conditions, and container or equipment failure. To recognize a HazMat event, emergency medical services and fire department personnel responding to a motor vehicle collision or structure fire must have a high index of suspicion. Measures to mitigate, prevent, and manage toxic HazMat incidents are closely interconnected and can be similar in both execution and goals. When responding to an acute HazMat incident, the protocols and procedures that are planned during the preparation phase are followed and executed. A well-developed research agenda provides the evidence-based science to guide community risk management and enforcement of high safety standards in the chemical industry.