Serving the Citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants. For more information, visit: www.fema.gov/hazards/hazardousmaterials/. Some links on this page may require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. You can download the Adobe Acrobat Reader for FREE at: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Website maintained by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, Birmingham, Alabama