Releases from improper chemical mixing, Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system, 1996-2001.

Objective: To examine the public health consequences of acute hazardous substance releases resulting from the improper mixing of chemicals.

Methods: Data from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system for 1996-2001 events were analyzed.

Results: "Private households" was the most frequent industry classification among improper mixing events, and chlorine was associated with a greater prevalence of improper mixing events.