"A new analysis by the nonprofit, Partnership for Policy Integrity finds that “trade secret” chemicals were injected into gas and oil wells nearly 11-thousand times in Ohio for over five years.

Some first responders like Silverio Caggiano, fire battalion chief with the Youngstown Fire Department are concerned that this is leaving the public at risk in emergencies. Caggiano has been a hazardous materials technician for more than 28 year and was an original member of the Ohio Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction Technical Advisory Committee.  

He says his hazmat team usually gets a warm welcome from local industries that use potentially dangerous chemicals. Most want to coordinate emergency planning.

“When we get to a facility, we’re used to, ‘Here’s everything we got. You guys are the rock stars, help us out,’” he said. "

Julie Grant reports for Allegheny Front September 15, 2019. [2]