When a hazardous chemical enters the environment, it can harm people's health. A chemical emergency can be an accident, as in the case of an industrial mishap. It could also be planned, as in the case of a terrorist attack with a chemical weapon.
Although there are no guarantees of safety during a chemical emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety and losses.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)