South Korea’s Fire Agency, in collaboration with the National Fire Research Institute, has published a comprehensive analysis of chemical accidents that occurred nationwide in 2025. The report aims to identify recurring causes, enhance safety for response teams, and guide tailored prevention strategies. A total of 282 chemical accidents were recorded, with a focus on hazardous materials and toxic substances. The analysis underscores the importance of proactive safety management to prevent large-scale casualties and environmental damage.
The statistics reveal that industrial regions such as Gyeonggi (53 cases), Ulsan (36), and Changwon experienced the highest accident rates. Changwon, in particular, saw a sharp increase from an average of 2–3 cases per year to 10 cases in 2025, mainly involving toxic gases and acidic substances. Frequent accidents involved strong acids (nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid), bases (ammonia, sodium hydroxide), and toxic gases (hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide). Enhanced safety management in school laboratories led to a notable decrease in mercury and formalin incidents.
Chemical accidents were found to be seasonally concentrated, with most incidents occurring during the summer months, especially July (33 cases) and August (34 cases). Higher temperatures increase the volatility of chemicals and internal pressure in storage containers, contributing to accident risks. The Fire Agency systematically classified accident types and identified high-risk substances, providing feedback and safety information to local fire stations. These measures are designed to improve on-site response and protect personnel.
Frequently asked questions include: Why are chemical accidents more common in summer? The report attributes this to increased volatility and pressure due to high temperatures. What substances are most involved in accidents? Strong acids, bases, and toxic gases are the main culprits. How are authorities responding? Targeted prevention, enhanced safety management, and real-time information sharing are being implemented to reduce risks and improve response capabilities.
The Fire Agency’s data-driven approach to chemical accident prevention is yielding measurable results, especially in reducing school laboratory incidents. However, persistent risks from toxic gases and corrosive substances in industrial areas and during summer months indicate that broader, adaptive safety strategies are needed. The systematic classification of accident types and real-time feedback to local responders are promising for improving on-site safety. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions will be essential for minimizing casualties and environmental impacts.