Hazardous Materials Hotline©
February 3, 2026
Gas Leak Hazards
With a good portion of the nation in the grip of extreme cold, gas emergencies are on the rise. A recent incident in NH reinforces the need for caution, including utilizing PPE and the proper use of detection and monitoring equipment to determine hazard zones and inform risk. In the incident, 3 responders were hospitalized following the explosion. Several high profile incidents have led to responder deaths, including an incident in Loudoun County, VA in 2024 and in Maine in 2019.
Discussion: Responding to reported gas odors and leaks are frequent incidents. Responders should be aware of the hazards associated with response, have a thorough knowledge of the gas detection and monitoring equipment assigned to their apparatus, and have solid response guidance to inform their decision-making.
Fire Fighter Chemical Exposure Reports
Several recent reports and articles are highlighting the hazards and risks associated with exposure to job related exposure to chemicals. A recent article in Crackyl highlights the link between job related exposures and Parkinson’s Disease, a recent study examined the PFAS/PFOS levels in blood serum of career responders, and another study examined firefighter protective clothing and its contamination levels following photoelectric and EV fires. In 2023, the World Health Organization linked firefighting as an occupational source for cancer and, as far back as 1775, occupational exposure to the products of combustion was linked to cancer in chimney sweeps.
Discussion: Cancer remains an occupational hazard of fire fighting and chemical exposure occurs at every fire. Reducing risk should be a top priority for responders, risk managers, and program leadership. Both the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the National Fallen Fire Fighters have information to assist with awareness, training, and risk reduction.
Rise of the Machines
Two recent articles highlight the growing expansion of robotics with implications for emergency services. Recently, the EPA conducted tests of unmanned ground vehicles for emergency response to a variety of scenarios, including hazardous materials incidents. FDNY has experimented with using robotic adjuncts to assist in emergency response for the past several years. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is taking comments for proposed rulemaking regarding driverless hazardous materials trucks.
Discussion: The rapid increase in technologies across platforms has the potential to radically alter the work environment, creating both new risks and hazards as well as opportunities. Emergency response personnel and emergency planners should be aware of these changes, guide the discussion, and offer input during the decision and rule making process as well as explore and assess technologies for opportunities.
Changes in Nuclear Reactor Licensing
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing exclusions for advanced reactors, including in the planning and construction process. The effort is being taken to speed up reactor development in an effort to meet the rapidly rising demands on the electric grid.
Discussion: Nuclear reactor construction and development continue to be controversial subjects and, even if your jurisdiction does not have a reactor, there still may be impacts due to shipping of waste and contaminated materials. Responders and planners should be familiar with the changes and the potential for reactor development in their areas.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (Phosphorus Pentaflouride and paracetic acid) are out. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents. You can subscribe here.
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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.
