Threats From Hazardous Substances

Understanding the Threat

Because each of the more than 800 CERCLA hazardous substances each have their own properties and behaviors, the potential for exposure and the nature of the effects vary widely. The many ways in which people can come into contact with hazardous substances are often determined by the size, nature, and location of the release as well the type of substances involved. The resulting effects can be harmful or even deadly.

First understanding and then coping with the wide array of potential dangers posed by hazardous substances are the challenges faced by thousands of emergency response personnel at the federal, state, and local levels. Whether the incident involves the accidental release or the "midnight dumping" of hazardous substances, emergency responders are trained and fully prepared to protect themselves and the local communities from exposure and contamination under a wide range of circumstances. Key to the success of the Superfund Emergency Response program has been an understanding of the one element common to every response--time. Prompt action is crucial.

You can see what types of hazardous substance have been released and reported to the federal government and where they have occurred using the Emergency Response Notification System.

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