These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Each year, over 1,000 new synthetic chemicals are introduced. The threat of a major disaster caused by a hazardous material accident has greatly increased because of the increase in everyday use of chemicals and hazardous materials by all segments of our population, as well as the movement of hazardous materials by all types of transportation.
Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment.
Even though we often do not think about it, we use chemicals every day. They can be found in our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements, and garages. Chemicals help us keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants grow and fuel our vehicles. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials.