Are we prepared?

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Chemical emergencies - Brief article

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The United States manufactures and imports tens of thousands of toxic chemicals every year, making it potentially vulnerable to a terrorist attack or accidental spill, with deadly consequences.

State public health laboratories often are the first line of defense in responding to chemical emergencies. They help pinpoint the chemical involved and identify possible victims to target treatment, ease concerns, guide emergency response and save lives. Despite an increase in federal funding for public health laboratories following Sept. 11, 2001, appropriations in the last few years have been cut back, generating concern among lawmakers about how prepared the country is for chemical terrorism. The decrease in funding has caused workforce shortages, hamstrung laboratories' ability to train staff, and g delayed the purchase and maintenance of...