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 the Department of Health - HEPRA
Contact Phone: (202) 671-4222
Contact Fax: (202) 671-0707
Contact TTY: 711

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

Service Location:
GIS Address: 899 North Capitol Street, NE
City: Washington
State: DC
Zip: 20002