Air Pollution 457
When there is a toxic release
Chemical plants, oil refineries, and other factories can have accidents that
release large amounts of toxic chemicals very suddenly. Refineries also release
toxic gases as part of ‘regular maintenance.’ A toxic release may look like a
cloud of smoke or a large fire, or it simply may be a sudden strong smell.
This can be frightening. It can also be deadly.
In the short term, there are steps people can take during and after every
toxic release and chemical spill to reduce harm (see Appendix A). In the long
term, it takes community organizing to pressure industries and governments to
enforce better safety regulations.
During a toxic release:
• Depending on the situation and
how quickly you can respond,
sometimes it is safest to just stay
indoors. In other situations, it is
safer to leave the area as quickly
as possible. Training and a good
community emergency plan will
help you know when to stay and
when to leave.
• Make some kind of record.
Mark the time of day the release
happened, and how long it
lasted. Also note any strange
smells, sights, sounds, physical
reactions (feelings in your body),
and reactions of other people
and animals nearby. This
information may be useful later
for taking community action.
• Take photos and video if it is
safe to do so. These can be used
later in court or campaigns.
After a toxic release:
• If people have been exposed to
chemicals, help them go to a clinic
or hospital right away.
• Contact local government and
media to report what happened.
• Call a meeting to let everyone in
the community know about what
happened, and to organize
a response.
• Encourage community members
to share their experiences and
feelings. This will help people to
recover from the event and build
solidarity in the community.
Making notes directly onto a
calendar is a good way to keep a
record of toxic releases.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012