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Environmental health practitioners help ensure that the proper controls are in place and are maintained to prevent chemical releases. When releases do occur, practitioners respond to limit human exposure and minimize the impact on the environment.
Because of terrorism concerns, practitioners must be prepared to respond not only to unintentional releases but to intentional releases as well.
This section provides key information on preventing and preparing for chemical releases.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Resources on Chemicals and Hazardous Materials – agency responsible for assessing the health of people living near hazardous waste sites
CDC Chemical Agents List – list of chemicals and toxicants of concern
CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Emergency Response Resources – emergency response topics
Environmental Practice and Response Fundamentals (University of Minnesota, Center for Public Health Preparedness) [external link] – online training to build skills needed by environmental health professionals to operate in different emergency situations
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [external link] – information about preparing for and responding to chemical releases
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): [external link]
National Library of Medicine [external link] – information about disaster and emergency preparedness and response grouped in related categories:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Emergency Management Center (EMC) [external link] – conducts applied research and assists in the development of emergency planning capabilities
The Twin Cities Metro Advanced Practice Center [external link] – tools and resources for preparedness that can be used by public health departments nationwide, including
U.S. National Response Team (NRT) [external link] – interagency organization responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and response to oil and hazardous substance pollution incidents:
2004 Emergency Response Guidebook [external link] – Provides responders with information to quickly identify the specific or generic classification of the hazardous material and how to protect themselves and the general public during the initial response phase.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist 2003 TLVs® and BEI's® [external link] – guide to evaluate and control workplace exposures to chemical substances and physical agents
Field Management of Chemical Casualties Handbook, 2nd Ed. (U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense [USAMRICD]) [external link] – information to order the handbook
Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook, 4th Ed. (U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases [USAMRIID]) [external link] – information to order the handbook
Medical Management of Chemical Casualties Handbook, 3rd Ed. (USAMRICD) [external link] – information to order the handbookWorld Health Organization (WHO): [external link]