Hazardous Materials Chemistry, Third Edition by Armando S. Bevelacqua and Laurie A. Norman explores basic chemical principles, nomenclature, and toxicology so that fire fighters and first responders can effectively identify hazards associated with specific chemicals and chemical families, determine the potential dangers present at a hazardous materials incident, and make safe and informed decisions.

[This book] explores basic principles of chemistry and toxicology so first responders can efficiently identify a chemical hazard, anticipate potential outcomes, and make safe and informed decisions. -Back cover.

This book includes the HM-181 standards and new government regulations. Its focus is on the basic aspects of chemistry with regard to the specific fire theories and classes of hazardous materials that the responder is likely to face.

Does the identification number 60 indicate a toxic substance or a flammable solid, in the molten state at an elevated temperature? Does the identification number 1035 indicate ethane or butane? What is the difference between natural gas transmission pipelines and natural gas distribution pipelines? If you came upon an overturned truck on the highway that was leaking, would you be able to identify if it was hazardous and know what steps to take? Questions like these and more are answered in the Emergency Response Guidebook. Learn how to identify symbols for and vehicles carrying toxic, flammable, explosive, radioactive, or otherwise harmful substances and how to respond once an incident involving those substances has been identified. Always be prepared in situations that are unfamiliar and dangerous and know how to rectify them. Keeping this guide around at all times will ensure that, if you were to come upon a transportation situation involving hazardous substances or dangerous goods, you will be able to help keep others and yourself out of danger. With color-coded pages for quick and easy reference, this is the official manual used by first responders in the United States and Canada for transportation incidents involving dangerous goods or hazardous materials.