(but only 14 of these involved sites covered by the control
of industrial major accident hazard (CIMAH)
regulations), residential premises (13%), on
the highway (11%) and in coastal waters
(11%). Details of the chemicals released were
provided in 354 (88%) of the 402 incidents.
Seventy per cent (n=249) involved the release
of a single chemical. Smoke toxins, from
chemical, rubber, plastic, tyre and oil fires
(n=28); miscellaneous organics (n=17); toxic
gases, such as ammonia and chlorine (n=17);
and flammable gases, such as methane and
butane (n=15) were the most commonly
reported classes of chemicals released (table 2)