Hazardous Materials Hotline©
May 22, 2026
New Wildfire Smoke Hazard Identified
Over the past several years, researchers have identified wildfire smoke as a conduit for spreading microorganisms. While the impact has not been fully identified, research indicates that smoke may be a source of disease for both responders and the general public.
Discussion: Responders should continue to utilize protective equipment to reduce the impact of chemical and biological hazards associated with fires and emergency planners may need to include disease calculations into their wildfire impact planning models.
Terrorism and Related News
Terror threats continue, with recent articles highlighting an IED placed near community water infrastructure, a vehicle as a weapon attack against law enforcement, and FBI engagement to counter drones during the FIFA World Cup Events at the same time the GNET released an examination of drone use by terrorist organizations.
Discussion: Soft targets provide opportunities for terrorist activities and over the next few months, there will be multiple opportunities with sporting events, USA250, and similar events occurring throughout the United States. Emergency planners and responders should be aware of targets, threats, and actions, such as deployment of hardening and Joint Hazard Assessment Teams to prepare for and reduce threats and impacts.
Funding Opportunities
FEMA has opened the Assistance to Firefighter Grant, Fire Prevention and Safety, and SAFER grant programs. In addition, the National Fire Academy has immediate openings for many of its courses.
Discussion: These programs provide equipment, personnel, training, and community support funding to assist departments in meeting the needs of their communities.
Health and Safety
The department of Homeland Security has released its Master Questions List to provide information and resources to the emergency response and research communities, the National Academies of Science has announced a webinar series on Wildfire Preparedness, Response and Recovery, the CDC has released information to assist with preventing heat related injuries in workers, NIST has released the results of a study of PFAS in firefighting hoods, gloves, and wildland gear, a study on the hierarchy of controls to reduce chemical exposure has been released as have studies on the hazards of Lithium Ion fires in mobility devices and Parkinson’s Disease risks associated with firefighting.
Discussion: The impacts of job-related hazards continue to challenge responders and their communities. While post-incident measures are becoming more common, education, prevention, and pre-incident planning are critical to reducing the long-term impacts of emergency response and responders and team leaders should be aware of hazards and seek to reduce them.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (tetraethyl lead and carbolic acid) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, where we discuss historic hazardous materials incidents. New podcasts drop the 15th and 30th of each month. The next podcast drops May 30th where we will be discussing the NFPA standards process. 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.
