Assessing Hazardous Chemical Accidents: A Data-Driven Study of Incidents in the United States During 2021-2024

Authors

• Emma Lindemann, Emergency Medicine Resident - Corewell Health West
• Sebastian Loonen, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Abby Shah, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Britton Michmerhuizen, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Brianna Decker, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Alex Ky, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Jessica Park, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Daniel Bishay, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Medical Student
• Brian Lewis, Emergency Medicine - Corewell Health West
• Jon Krohmer, Michigan State University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-8-2026

Abstract

Hazardous chemical accidents in the United States (US) involve unintentional spills, leaks, explosions, or exposures to toxic, flammable, or otherwise harmful substances that threaten public health. These events may take place in industrial facilities, during transportation (such as rail or highway incidents), at storage sites, or because of natural disasters impacting chemical plants. To analyze the occurrence, causes, and effects of such incidents across the US, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using government and publicly available databases during 2021-2024.

This was a cross-sectional survey undertaken to document the frequency of hazardous chemical incidents in the US during 2021-2024. Incident data was collected from the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the HAZMAT Incident Database, and the Chemical Safety Board. A basic abstraction form was used to guide data collection, which included the location, substance(s) released, number of victims, types of injuries, and the number of people evacuated. Descriptive statistics (frequency tables, confidence intervals) were used to summarize the data. Interrater reliability was determined using the Kappa score.

During the four-year study period, 102,177 hazardous chemical incidents occurred in the US, resulting in damages exceeding $ 1 billion. Approximately 1033 (1%) were HAZMAT releases that threatened public health. These incidents frequently occurred around transportation corridors and storage facilities. Texas had the most HAZMAT releases (12.5%), followed by California, Ohio, and Louisiana. Many incidents were associated with plastics and petrochemical manufacturing (41.7%), extraction and transportation of crude oil and natural gas (12.2%), and chemical transportation and storage (8.6%). There were 1,090 injuries, of whom 965 were hospitalized, including 44 first responders. Respiratory system problems (34.9%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. There were 63 fatalities. Overall, 304 communities were required to evacuate; 302 were advised to shelter in place. Interrater reliability was excellent (Kappa = 0.80).

To decrease HAZMAT incidents that pose a threat to public health, several strategies can be implemented based on this surveillance data. In addition, developing and regularly updating emergency response plans can ensure communities are prepared for incidents involving hazardous chemicals. This includes coordination with local emergency services and community awareness initiatives.

Recommended Citation

Lindemann E, Loonen S, Shah A, Michmerhuizen B, Decker B, Ky A, Park J, Bishay D, Lewis B, Krohmer J. Assessing hazardous chemical accidents: A data-driven study of incidents in the United States during 2021-2024.Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2026 May 8; Grand Rapids, MI.

Comments

2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 1888