ATSDR represents the Department of Health and Human Services on the National Response Team and works with other agencies to provide technical assistance during emergencies involving hazardous substances , such as chemical spills . In July 2007 , for example , ATSDR responded to the Verdigris River flood in Coffeyville , Kansas , after an oil refinery spilled crude oil into the floodwaters , contaminating many homes in the city . ATSDR worked with EPA and state and local authorities to provide health information to local residents and advised those agencies during the clean-up process . ATSDR also assists with responding to terrorism incidents , which have included the September 11 attacks and the 2001 anthrax attacks . ATSDR responded to 132 chemical emergency events in 2008
2001 anthrax attacks
2001 anthrax attacks
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry