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From: Elizabeth Braun <elizabeth**At_Symbol_Here**LABSAFETYINSTITUTE.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Science Safety News Digest
Date: Mar 18, 2026 17:52 UTC
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID: <CADMV0yHmLb2yz_SxJ9UrhfnSJEZaEeObSE4GBF1hXNMsJ6yscA**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
Date of Incident: January 27, 2026
Location: Baileyville, Maine
Synopsis: A second employee has died following a toxic gas exposure at the Woodland Pulp mill in Baileyville. 26-year-old process engineer Alan Hornberger passed away several weeks after being hospitalized due to the incident, which also claimed the life of 20-year-old University of Maine student Kasie Malcolm. Preliminary reports suggest the accidental mixing of sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds in a sewer system created a lethal release of hydrogen sulfide gas. Federal investigations by OSHA and the Chemical Safety Board are currently underway to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies.
Original URL: https://www.wabi.tv/2026/02/17/second-worker-dies-following-chemical-incident-baileyville-mill/
Date of Incident: January 31, 2022 (Included in Volume 3/4 reports released February 18, 2026)
Location: Kingsport, Tennessee
Synopsis: The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has highlighted a past major steam explosion at the Eastman Chemical Company in its latest volume of incident reports. The explosion resulted in the release of asbestos and other toxic contaminants into the surrounding community, leading to class-action litigation and concerns regarding public health. By including this in the latest federal summaries, the CSB emphasizes the importance of mechanical integrity and the need for facilities to provide immediate community notification following hazardous events.
Original URL: https://johnsoncitypress.com/news/362944/eastman-named-in-us-chemical-safety-incident-reports/
Date of Incident: Case Study Published February 12, 2026
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Synopsis: A peer-reviewed case study from the University of Calgary has been featured in ACS Chemical Health and Safety, showcasing the institution's proactive approach to laboratory chemical management. The study outlines a shift toward a "non-blaming" safety culture that encourages the reporting of near-misses and the careful management of time-sensitive hazardous materials. This framework serves as a model for other academic and research institutions to integrate safety into daily operations rather than viewing it strictly as a compliance requirement.
Date of Incident: Introduced February 17, 2026
Location: Sacramento, California
Synopsis: Assemblymember Dawn Addis has introduced AB 2034, a groundbreaking bill aimed at closing federal "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) loopholes that allow companies to add chemicals to food without FDA oversight. If passed, the law would mandate that the California Department of Public Health independently review the safety of food additives and maintain a public database of ingredients. The legislation seeks to address long-standing transparency issues in the food industry, sparked in part by previous outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to unreviewed chemical ingredients.
Original URL: https://www.cspi.org/press-release/historic-california-legislation-would-close-food-chemical-safety-loopholes
Date of Incident: Agreement Renewed February 18, 2026
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Synopsis: The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) have renewed a Memorandum of Agreement to align safety practices across the chemical and marine transportation sectors. The agreement streamlines the audit process by allowing companies to use the AWO Responsible Carrier Program to meet Responsible Care certification requirements. This partnership aims to reduce redundant administrative burdens while strengthening the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of the domestic barge and tugboat industry.
Original URL: https://www.workboat.com/amrican-chemistry-council-americal-waterways-operators-renew-safety-alignment-agreement
Date of Incident: Report Released February 18, 2026
Location: Various (CA, IN, LA, TN, TX, UT, VA)
Synopsis: The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released its fourth volume of incident reports, analyzing 13 significant chemical accidents that caused over $1 billion in property damage and multiple casualties. The report highlights a recurring trend of "equipment opening" incidents, where workers inadvertently opened pressurized or active systems, leading to toxic releases and explosions. These findings serve as a critical resource for hazmat managers to improve process safety management and mechanical integrity protocols across industrial facilities.
Original URL: https://hazmatmag.com/2026/02/18/detailed-analysis-of-13-major-u-s-chemical-incidents-lessons-for-hazmat-managers/
