Hazardous Materials Hotline©
September 19, 2026
Federal News
There are several federal items of interest. The Chemical Safety Board has released its final report on the Furnace Explosion and Fire at Shell Polymers in Monaca PA; the CDC has released an update on the 9/11 WTC Health Program; the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program has released reports on blue-tooth enabled SCBA and emergency response to silo incidents; the US is changing every official latitude, longitude, and height; NHTSA has released emergency response guides for electric vehicles; DHS has announced a competition to develop biotech detection equipment; FEMAs
RAPT tool can provide community hazard information; and PHMSA wants to remind hazardous materials responders of its Guide to Developing a Hazardous Materials Training Program.
Discussion: Federal resources, while limited, continue to provide critical information, ideas, and concepts that can be incorporated into emergency planning, team management, and emergency response.
Personal Protective Equipment
There are a few resources that can assist with determining the need for, selecting, maintaining, and using chemical protective equipment. These include Kapler’s Quick Guide and NFPA Clothing Requirements.
Discussion: The variety of chemical protective clothing options requires responders and team leadership understand the application, capabilities, and limitations of personal protective equipment and match the equipment to the task and hazards.
Chemical and Biological Warfare
A new article examines the use of modern technology (UAVs) to disperse chemical weapons on the battlefield and a separate research report examines the use of biological weapons dispersal.
Discussion: The concepts discussed in these articles can be easily applied in the non-warfare theater, including the use of UAVs to disperse chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural agents. Emergency responders and planners should be familiar with the concepts and plan for their application in their communities.
Responder Health and Safety
A couple of reports related to responder health have been released. The first examines the hazards from linked to thermal charge and particulate emissions from Lithium-Ion batteries and a second research report examines the PFAS levels in career US Firefighters.
Discussion: Responder health and safety are personal issues that should remain in the forefront for responders and response organizations. Responder health and safety are personal issues that should remain in the forefront for responders and response organizations.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The InterAgency Board continues to host the chemical of the week (COW) which is released every Monday and bi-monthly and special release podcasts along with the Hazardous Materials Hot Line archive. They make for great training and situational awareness. Recent COWs include Hydrogen Fluoride, Potassium Cyanide, and Nitrogen Tetroxide.
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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.
