A chemical agent is a chemical compound that has deleterious effects on human health. A chemical emergency occurs when a hazardous chemical has been released and the release has the potential for harming people's health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident, or intentional, as in the case of a terrorist attack.

Many hazardous chemicals are used in industry (chlorine, ammonia, and benzene). Others are found in nature (poisonous plants). Some could be made from everyday items such as household cleaners. These types of hazardous chemicals could be obtained and used to harm people, or they could be accidentally released.

This information was taken from the Chemical Emergencies Overview on the CDC website.

Service Contact: Emergency Medical Services Division of DC Health - HSPA
Contact Phone: (202) 671-4222
Contact TTY: 711

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

Service Location:
GIS Address:  2201 Shannon Place SE
City: Washington
State: DC
Zip: 20020