By Richard T. Cartwright, PE, CHMM, (IHMM, AHMP and APICS) Fellow.
Richard died April 21, 2025; honoring the work he did with hazmat history is one small way to keep his memory alive.
The saying, “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it” is more than a cliché. It is a reminder that we must constantly be learning from the past. Here’s a look back at major historical events that happened today in the world of hazardous materials.
April 10, 1995
The world’s first national DNA database began operations in the U.K. With the authority to retain DNA samples from those previously arrested, police had a powerful new tool that became highly successful in matching suspects to crimes. Analysis could be based on mouth swabs or hair samples being routinely collected.
April 10, 1989
H. J. Heinz, Van Camp Seafood and Bumble Bee Seafood announced they would not buy tuna caught in nets that also trap dolphins.
April 10, 1972
A multilateral disarmament treaty to ban biological weapons was opened for signature. It prohibited the development, production and stockpiling of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons. Since then, most of the world’s nations have signed the agreement. Israel and several African countries have not joined. Biological weapons are devices that spread disease-causing organisms (such as anthrax, smallpox, plague) or poisons to kill or harm humans, animals, or plants.
April 10, 1963
The atomic-powered submarine, USS Thresher, plunged to sea floor 300 miles off the coast of New England, where 96 sailors and 17 civilians died. A subsequent investigation revealed that a leak in a silver-brazed joint in the engine room caused a short circuit in critical electrical systems. Problems quickly spread, making equipment needed to bring the Thresher to the surface inoperable. The disaster forced improvements in submarine design and quality control.
April 10, 1944
The first synthetic quinine was produced at Harvard University. Quinine, an anti-malarial drug, is an organic chemical with the formula C20H24N2O2.
April 10, 1917
A munitions factory exploded in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, where 133 workers died. The explosion’s root cause was never discovered. Whether it was a careless worker or sabotage remains a mystery.
April 10, 1872
Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska, where more than 1 million trees were planted. Its founder, Julius Sterling Morton (American agriculturist), believed that the prairies needed more trees to serve as windbreaks, hold moisture in the soil and provide lumber for housing. Today in the U.S., Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April.
Historical hazardous materials management events are posted 365 days a year at this LinkedIn discussion group.
