Hazardous Materials Hotline©
April 30, 2026
FEMA Funding Limit Reached
FEMA has announced that its funding reserves have been reached and it is limiting funding multiple projects. The guidance provides direction for Immediate Needs Funding, which is triggered when reserve funding drops.
Discussion: Immediate Needs Funding is an automatic trigger that limits what FEMA can fund, focusing on current incidents and life saving measures only. Emergency managers and planners should be familiar the impact on funding purchases, support personnel, mitigation projects, and other nonimmediate issues.
Terrorism Threat Remains
Several recent articles highlight the continued threat of terrorism and the criminal use of hazardous materials. These include the rising threat of bioterrorism, the arrest of a father and son in New York, and the recent theft of chemical spraying drones. In a related story, CBRNe World is reporting that the FBIs, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate is being dissolved and rolled into Counter Terrorism, with some positions being eliminated.
Discussion: The criminal use of hazardous materials continues to remain a challenge to emergency responders and planners. Familiarity with community threats, norms, and partners coupled with collaboration with facilities that store hazardous materials and open dialogue with law enforcement coupled with continual situational awareness can improve capabilities and reduce threats and hazards.
Reports on Contaminated Turnout Gear
Two recent reports examine the hazard threat associated with turnout gear. NIOSH examined the threat of gear contaminated with hazardous materials associated with emergency response, including normal, fire response; and NIST examined the threat associated with PFAS in turnout gear.
Discussion: The increased recognition of responder cancers and the potential link between contaminated gear continues to be examined. Responders and agencies should work to ensure that responders and their equipment are decontaminated early and often as part of the response and recovery protocol to help reduce the risk of chemical exposure. A report on reducing diesel exhaust exposure in station was also released.
Reducing Radioactive Contamination
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has announced that it has developed a new technology that reduces the level of radioactive contamination from surfaces in a short period of time.
Discussion: While still experimental, this technology may be of use in emergency situations where reducing contamination in a timely manner is critical. National CFS Data As previously seen, the US DOT and US Census Bureau have collected and posted commodity flow data information.
National CFS Data
As previously seen, the US DOT and US Census Bureau have collected and posted commodity flow data information.
Discussion: This information provides baseline data which communities can use to benchmark their data with and provide comparison data to support preparedness and response planning activities.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (ammonium phosphate and vinyl fluoride) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, where we discuss strategic planning. New podcasts drop the 15th and 30th of each month. For suggestions, comments, or questions on the podcast, email podcast@interagencyboard.org.
Want to be alerted when a new Hazardous Material Hotline is published? Click the button to sign up for our notifications.
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.
