Chemical Emergencies

Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source

MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.

When a hazardous chemical has been released, it may harm people's health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident. They could also be planned, as in the case of a terrorist attack with a chemical weapon.

Some hazardous chemicals have been developed by military organizations for use in warfare. Examples are nerve agents such as sarin and VX. Many hazardous chemicals are used in industry - for example, chlorine, ammonia, and benzene. Some can be made from everyday items such as household cleaners.

Although there are no guarantees of safety during a chemical emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed. You may need help in finding ways to cope.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Questions for your care team

General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.

How does this information apply to my situation?
Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.

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