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.
June 27, 1976
The first recorded Ebola virus epidemic began in Sudan. Symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever generally begin about four to 15 days after a person is infected with the virus. The average victim will first notice flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, aching and general weakness. Usually this is followed by diarrhea, vomiting and rashes erupting all over the body. Then the person may begin bleeding from all body orifices, and internal organ damage begins. Within seven to 10 days, exhaustion, dehydration, and shock set in. During the epidemic 284 cases were reported, with about half the victims dying from the disease.
June 27, 1960
Chlorophyll A, a major green pigment of the plant world was first synthesized at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. This molecule consists of 55 carbon atoms linked with 72 hydrogen atoms, 5 atoms of oxygen and 1 atom of magnesium.
June 27, 1954
The world’s first atomic power station opened near Moscow in Obninsk, Russia. It had a small graphite-moderated, water-cooled reactor. In addition to meeting civilian power needs, it was also used by the Soviet military to research the possibility of propelling submarines with nuclear power.
June 27, 1929
Herbert Ives, American physicist, made the first public demonstration of color television.
June 27, 1901
Merle Tuve, American research physicist and geophysicist, was born. He helped make the first use of pulsed radio waves to explore the ionosphere. He devised the necessary detecting equipment to measure the time between receiving a direct radio pulse and a second pulse reflected from the ionosphere. His observations provided the theoretical foundation for the development of radar. Tuve made important contributions to experimental seismology, radio astronomy and optical astronomy.
June 27, 1829
English scientist James Smithson died, leaving behind a will decreeing that his entire estate would be given to the United States to establish an institution dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Today, the Smithsonian Institution has 19 museums, nine research centers, and the national zoo.
Historical hazardous materials management events are posted 365 days a year at this LinkedIn discussion group.
