An accomplished author with decades of experience working in the plastics industry and teaching the chemistry of hazardous materials to emergency responders, Frank Fire has updated his book covering the basic approach to hazardous materials. In the new third edition, each chapter has been revised (where required) to reflect changes since the second edition was published. For example, each chemical mentioned whose volume or usage has changed has been updated, including their usage as a chemical warfare agent. There is a new chapter that covers each class of chemical warfare agents. This is an excellent resource for emergency responders and those involved in departmental training programs or curriculum development.

Table of Contents

Illustrations; Preface; Introduction; The chemistry of hazardous materials; Chemical compounds; Covalent bonding; Hydrocarbons; Hydrocarbon derivatives; Fire and pyrolysis; Flammable and combustible liquids; Compressed gases; Combustible solids; Cryogenic gases; Oxidizing agents; Plastics; Corrosives; Unstable materials: Organic peroxides and monomers; Toxicity; Radioactivity; Explosives; Water- and air-reactive materials; Chemical warfare agents; Glossary; Appendices; Index.