Hazardous Materials Hotline©
April 22, 2026
NPS Application Period Open
The Naval Postgraduate School is currently taking applications for its Master of Arts program. This program is offered at no cost to participants and provides attendees with the opportunity to conduct research into topics that benefit their communities and the nation.
Discussion: NPS is a premier program that brings together some of the brightest minds in emergency, military, and government service.
NERIS Engagement Period is Open
NERIS has opened an engagement period for users to submit comments and concerns as they seek to improve the system.
Discussion: Prior to the initial roll out, providing comments or asking questions was discouraged for some members of the emergency services community. This engagement period will allow for comments and questions from users.
Comment Periods Opened
NIOSH has opened a comment period to discuss changes in the IDLH profile document for Lewisite and the EPA has opened the docket for several chemicals, including HHCB, p-Dichlorobenzene, and o-Dichlorobenzene.
Discussion: Providing comment during the rule-making process ensures that the concerns of emergency planning and response communities are heard and addressed.
Reading and Viewing Opportunities
Several articles and video segments have been posted that may be of interest to the response community, including The Hazmat Firefighter, The Hidden Dangers of Lithium Ion Battery Fires, Radiological Emergency Preparedness for All-Hazards and Transportation Incidents, a report from the Scientific Advisory Boards Technical Working Group on Chemical Forensics, and an article on the emerging threat of fungicidal resistant fungi.
Discussion: These articles and videos provide important information for consideration to the response community. While the information may not be in your direct lane of influence, there may be information that can cross over. It may be better to be a fox, who knows everything about the forest, than a hedgehog, who knows everything about the hedge.
Report of Drone Use
A news report in which a terror group claimed to have used a drone to spread radioactive material over an Israeli Embassy in England.
Discussion: While the claim has since been confirmed to be a hoax, does raise the rising threat of drones and their use in nefarious activities. In 2022, an agricultural drone was used to dump feces and urine at a political rally in Brazil.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (amitrole and ammonium phosphate) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, where we discuss Respiratory Protection. New podcasts drop the 15th and 30th of each month. For suggestions, comments, or questions on the podcast, email podcast@interagencyboard.org.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
