What is the primary purpose of a vapor suppression agent in hazardous materials incidents?

The primary purpose of a vapor suppression agent in hazardous materials incidents is to suppress vapor production. These agents work by creating a barrier on the surface of liquids, which helps to limit the release of hazardous vapors into the atmosphere. This is crucial during a spill or leak event, as controlling vapor release reduces the risk of inhalation exposure and minimizes the potential for fire or explosion due to flammable vapors. By effectively lowering the concentration of harmful vapors in the air, vapor suppression agents contribute significantly to the overall safety of the response scenario, protecting both responders and the surrounding community.