Hazardous Materials Hotline©
September 9, 2026
9/11/2001 – 25 Years Later
The HMHL can not do justice to the events and sacrifice that occurred on, and since, September 11, 2001. There are a multitude of lessons to be learned and stories to be told. With that said, Mayor Mamdani has authorized the release of thousands of documents related to the air quality in New York following the attacks. Reports are that the hazards associated with the air were greatly underreported and not fully shared with responders, support workers, residents, or citizens.
Discussion: As devastating as the attacks were, and as heroic as the response was, the failure to share critical safety information, if intentional, demonstrates a high degree of moral bankruptcy that is still being paid for in the lives of those who responded, supported, and worked in the area following the attacks.
Upcoming Training Spotlight
Several training events are on the near horizon. Response Technologies is hosting an on-line hazardous materials safety officer course beginning September 14. Conferences are being held in Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida coming up.
Discussion: Training, networking, and learning from others remain critical to team and member success.
Education and Training Scholarships Available
Several education and training scholarships are accepting applications. Yvorra Leadership Development offers scholarships to pursue higher education and special projects, IPSLEI is offering scholarships to support responder higher education, MD HEAT is offering training scholarships for hazardous materials responders and US and TX HEAT will be accepting applications after the first of the year.
Discussion: These scholarships provide economic support to enhance the capabilities of emergency services personnel and communities and interested responders should apply. Most scholarship programs receive very few applications. Responders and interested individuals should also consider donating in order to strengthen the professional competencies of members of the trade.
CSB Releases Report
The Chemical Safety Board has released an investigation update on a fatal hydrogen sulfide release in Institute WV. They have also released an update on a fatal incident in Longview WA.
Discussion: CSB reports serve as a basis for training, prevention and mitigation, and emergency planning.
Terrorism Articles of Interest
Several terror/WMD articles of interest have recently been published, including an article on federal planning for biological attack, the implications of using specific terror weapons, CBRN supply chain concerns and limitations, and research into the detection of biological agents. In a related article, the Navy is warning its personnel to lower their social media presence as social engineering may result in sharing information with adversaries.
Discussion: The events of September 11, 2001 continue to reverberate through the nation, with responders and others suffering long-term health effects from the events of that day.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The InterAgency Board continues to host the chemical of the week and bi-monthly podcasts, along with the Hazardous Materials Hot Line archive. They make for great training and situational awareness.
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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.
