ChemTag—Personal Chemical Warning Device Fact Sheet

In 2010, more than 25 firefighters lost their lives as a result of toxic chemical exposure. More than 25,000 additional responders suffered serious injury, requiring medical attention and rehabilitation. Firefighters and emergency medical services personnel regularly encounter chemical threats when responding to everyday incidents. Sometimes the threats are obvious or are due to the nature of the response location, as is the case in commercial or industrial fires. Other times, toxic chemicals disperse as materials burn or as chemical containers breach without warning. Numerous encounters can occur during clean-up operations or service calls. Regardless of the situation, the detection of toxic chemicals can save lives.