Chemical incidents

A chemical incident is the uncontrolled release of a toxic substance, potentially resulting in harm to public health and the environment. Chemical incidents can occur as a result of natural events, or as a result of accidental or intentional events. These incidents can be sudden and acute or have a slow onset when there is a ‘silent’ release of a chemical. They can also range from small releases to full-scale major emergencies.

The term “chemical incident” might refer to anthropogenic or technological events, including:

• an explosion at a factory that stores or uses chemicals
• contamination of the food or water supply with a chemical
• an oil spill
• a leak from a storage unit during transportation
• deliberate release of chemicals in conflict or terrorism
• an outbreak of disease that is associated with a chemical exposure.

Chemical incidents arising from natural sources include volcanos, earthquakes and forest fires. An estimated 65 000 people died due to technological events between 2009-2018.

As the production and use of chemicals continues to increase worldwide the health sector must expand its traditional roles and responsibilities to be able to address the public health and medical issues associated with the use of chemicals and their health effects.