Chemical Spills
Chemical spills — whether from industrial facilities, transportation accidents, or improper storage and disposal — can expose workers, residents, and bystanders to hazardous substances with serious short- and long-term health consequences.
Chemical spills — whether from industrial facilities, transportation accidents, or improper storage and disposal — can expose workers, residents, and bystanders to hazardous substances with serious short- and long-term health consequences. Depending on the chemical involved, exposure can cause respiratory damage, skin and eye injuries, neurological effects, or increased cancer risk.
Chemical Spill Statistics
More than 30,000 oil or chemical spills have been reported annually in the United States each year since 1993. (Research Starters, EBSCO)
Companies report an average of more than 100 significant chemical accidents each year under federal reporting rules that took effect in 2020. (Chemical & Engineering News)
Industrial accidents resulting in chemical releases rose from 83 in 2021 to 131 in 2025, according to reports filed with the Chemical Safety Board. (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility)
The EPA estimates an average of roughly 200 accidental chemical releases occur in the U.S. each year that are significant enough to trigger a federal response.
Who is at risk
- —Industrial and manufacturing plant workers who handle or work near hazardous chemicals
- —Emergency responders and cleanup crews who respond to a spill
- —Residents and businesses near a spill site, particularly during transportation accidents involving tanker trucks or rail cars
- —Workers at facilities with inadequate spill containment, ventilation, or safety protocols
Why these cases are actionable
Companies that handle hazardous chemicals have a legal duty to follow safety regulations covering storage, containment, transportation, and emergency response. When a spill occurs because a company cut corners on safety equipment, failed to properly train employees, ignored known risks, or violated environmental regulations, that company — and in some cases a transportation carrier or property owner — may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly. Chemical exposure injuries aren't always immediately obvious, and some health effects develop over time. It's worth having any exposure and symptoms evaluated, even if you didn't require emergency treatment.
If you or a family member has been injured by a chemical spill, contact us for a free case evaluation. Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki LLC has represented toxic exposure victims for decades. No fee unless we win.
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