The Homeland Defense and Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) was asked to provide (chronologically) specific events that have occurred in the last 50 years (1975–2025) on: (1) what chemical exposure events have involved chemical warfare agents (CWAs) on and off the battlefield and (2) what major events have involved toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and pesticides.
In responding to these questions, further details were provided by the inquirer for the information to be chronologically compiled and include significant chemical exposure events across the globe in the last 50 years. Furthermore, the inquirer was curious about deliberate and accidental exposures. Finally, the chemicals of greatest interest were those that are inherently hazardous, especially those designed as poisons (i.e., CWAs).
HDIAC partnered with SciTech Services, Inc., to conduct a highly detailed investigative research effort focused on gathering relevant information to address the two questions of interest. From a literature search, this report identifies information (chronologically) regarding chemical exposure events that have occurred in the last 50 years involving CWAs on and off the battlefield, along with major events involving TICs and pesticides.