Health Protection Agency records an increase in chemical incidents »
The Health Protection Agency recorded 1,015 chemical incidents in England and Wales in 2007 – up five percent on the 2006 figures. Fires were the most common cause of chemical releases, accounting for 28 per cent of the 2007 total. Chemical spills were 14 per cent of the total and leaks of chemicals were also 14 per cent. Releases of vapours and gases (including carbon monoxide gas) were 15 per cent