The Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) was able to help Texas emergency responders who were working in the aftermath of the Columbia explosion February 1, according to information from the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Officials at the Texas Emergency Operations Center contacted CHEMTREC for information about the chemical products that might be present in the debris.
The officials requested technical information about monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide, two chemicals used in the operation of the space shuttle.
CHEMTREC transmitted current material safety data sheets(MSDS)and other technical information to the operations center, and contacted specialists from the producer of the chemicals, making vital information available to emergency responders as needed. Emergency personnel used this information to safely begin the recovery operation, while ensuring the safety of the response team and the public, according to ACC information.
CHEMTREC is the 24-hour hazardous materials emergency center established in 1971 as a public service hotline for fire fighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders.