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The public health consequences of hazardous substance releases have not been characterized adequately. in response, therefore, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry implemented an active, state-based surveillance system. information is collected with respect to the events, chemicals, victims, injuries, and evacuations. Five states reported 1 249 events during 1990 and 1991. Seventy-two percent of the events occurred at fixed facilities, and 28% of the events were transportation related. in 80% of the events, one chemical was released. The most frequently released chemicals were herbicides, acids, volatile organic compounds, and ammonias. In 204 events, 846 persons were injured and 7 died. Employees were injured more frequently than first responders or the general public. The most frequently reported injuries were respiratory irritation and eye irritation. Evacuations occurred in 14% of the events. These results provide information for preparedness planning and training of first responders and employees., In recent years, a few reports have attempted to characterize the public health consequences (e.g., deaths, injuries, evacuations) to workers or residents that resulted from hazardous substance releases. The databases, [...]