Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection

What chemical emergencies are -- Where hazardous chemicals come from -- Types and categories of hazardous chemicals -- Hazardous chemicals by name (A-Z list) -- Protecting yourself if you don't know what the chemical is -- Basic information on chemical emergencies -- In-depth information on chemical emergencies .

The CDC has a key role in protecting the public's health in an emergency involving the release of a chemical that could harm people's health. This document provides information to help people be prepared to protect themselves during and after such an event.

A chemical emergency occurs when a hazardous chemical has been released and the release has the potential for harming people's health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident, or intentional, as in the case of a terrorist attack.