The results of a special study performed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have described the frequency and types of injuries to personnel responding to hazmat incidents.

The data was gathered from states participating in ATSDR's Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system.

The study showed that between 1996 and 1998:

• 348 responders were injured in 126 (0.7%) of 16,986 reported events.
• Firefighters (non-hazmat trained) and police officers were injured most often.
• Respiratory irritation and nausea were the most commonly reported injuries.
• No injuries resulted in death.
• Roughly half of the injured responders were wearing firefighter protective clothing.
• Approximately one third had received hazmat training.

The analysis concluded that “Responder training and education, emergency preparedness plans and coordination among key agencies are needed to effectively respond to hazardous substances emergency events and to reduce and, ultimately, prevent the number of injuries sustained by first responders.” Also, “standardized methods for reporting these events and increased surveillance are needed to better define the nature and scope of hazardous substances emergency events and to target prevention efforts and mitigate secondary health effects.”