Hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents pose significant risks to public health, safety, and the environment. This study aimed to characterize the temporal trends, geographic distribution, operational settings, and incident types of HazMat events reported in Oman.

This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from the national HazMat incident records maintained by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA). All reported chemical, biological, or radiological incidents between June 1, 2019, and November 30, 2024, were included.

A total of 55 HazMat incidents were recorded during the study period. Reported incidents increased over time, with the highest annual counts observed in 2023 (14 incidents) and 2024 (17 incidents). Muscat Governorate accounted for 39 incidents (71%). Residential neighborhoods were the most common operational setting (26/55, 47%), followed by other public areas (9/55, 16%), while airports, educational institutions, industrial areas, and transportation corridors each accounted for 5 incidents (9%). Gas leaks were the most frequently reported incident type, involved in 28 incidents (51%).

HazMat incidents in Oman increased over the study period and were concentrated in Muscat Governorate. Incidents occurred across diverse operational settings, particularly residential and public environments, while gas leaks represented the most frequently reported incident type.

Chemical accidents occur often across the United States, endangering the health and safety of many people. The Super fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) requires that communities increase their planning for medical response to these accidents. So far, little evidence has come forth that supports the notion that environmental legislation, such as SARA, improves preparedness for such accidents.

A one-group pretest/post-test longitudinal design was used to survey the medical directors of emergency departments in all acute care hospitals in the State of New York. Data were collected by mail survey and telephone follow-up in 1986 before the passage of SARA (Timel), and in 1989 after its implementation (Time2).

Ninety-four percent of the directors responded at Timel and 72% at Time2. In New York State, hospital preparedness for chemical accidents improved significantly during the study interval. The longer a hospital had a plan for response to chemical accidents, the more elements of preparedness were in place. Further, as a group, the hospitals that were the least prepared were located in the areas at highest risk.

Environmental legislation can influence the manner by which health care organizations prepare for environmental emergencies.