The Commons · Recognize the Threat
A chemical release may be accidental or deliberate. The immediate priority is the same: recognize that something is wrong, get away from the source, avoid carrying contamination with you, and follow official instructions.
What may get your attention.
A sudden cluster of people with similar acute symptoms can be a warning sign: burning or watering eyes, coughing, choking, severe shortness of breath, vomiting, confusion, collapse, seizures, or sudden skin irritation. An unexplained mist, liquid, powder, unusual odor, or localized animal deaths may add context, but many dangerous chemicals have no reliable smell or visible cloud.
What to do immediately.
- Get away. Leave the immediate area and move to fresh air when it is safe to do so. Outdoors, move away from the release and upwind if you can do that safely.
- Listen for evacuation or shelter instructions. The safest choice depends on the chemical, location, wind, building, and type of release.
- Do not touch unknown liquids, powders, containers, or contaminated belongings.
- Get the chemical off. If you may have been contaminated, remove outer clothing as soon as practical and wash exposed skin with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid scrubbing.
- Get help. Call 911 when safe. In the United States, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
Protect other people from secondary contamination.
Do not rush into a contaminated area to help unless you are trained and equipped to do so. Keep potentially contaminated clothing and belongings away from other people and follow responder instructions for handling them.
What not to do.
Do not rely on smell to identify an agent. Do not mix household chemicals in an attempt to decontaminate yourself. Do not take an antidote or medication unless directed by medical or public-health professionals.
CDC’s plain-language rule is useful: get away, get the chemical off, and get help.
Official guidance
CDC: What to Do in a Chemical Emergency · CDC: Getting Clean After Chemical Exposure