Dangerous Chemical Accidents on the Rise in US
Physicist Ronald Koopman recently warned of the potential for deadly chemical accidents in the US, citing a new analysis showing a 57 percent increase in such incidents between 2021 and 2025.
Chemicals Pose Major Threat to Communities
Hydrofluoric acid, used in the manufacturing of various materials, is one of the most corrosive and dangerous chemicals known. Its widespread use poses a significant risk of catastrophic accidents with potential for injuries, deaths, and property damage.
Vulnerable Populations at Greater Risk
Communities historically underserved and overburdened, including those with majority Black and Latino populations, are disproportionately exposed to chemical accidents due to their proximity to facilities handling these hazardous materials.
Many refineries were built before 1985, and their aging infrastructure increases the risk of future accidents.
