Mustard gas: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:20, 25 April 2005

Revision as of 21:36, 26 April 2005

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Most of the mustard gas found in [[Germany]] after [[World War II]] was dumped into the [[Baltic Sea]]. It is possible to mistake a piece of [[polymerization|polymerised]] mustard gas for [[amber]], which can lead to severe health problems. [[shell (projectile)|Shell]]s containing mustard gas and other toxic ammunition from [[World War I]] (as well as conventional explosives) can still occasionally be found in [[France]]; they used to be disposed of by explosion at sea, but current environmental regulations prohibit this; the French government is building an automated factory to dispose of the backlog of shells.

The largest stockpile of mustard gas in the United States was stored at the Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Mustard gas was stored in several one-ton (9001000 kg) containers on the base under heavy guard. A disposal plant built on site neutralized the last of this stockpile in February, 2005. This stockpile had priority due to its proximity to several populated areas and schools in the area. The closest schools were fitted with overpressurization units to protect the students and staff in the event of a catastrophic explosion and fire at the site. Unexploded shells containing mustard gas and other chemical agents are still present in several test ranges in proximity to Edgewood area schools, but the smaller amounts (4–14 pounds; 2–6 kg) present considerably less risk. They are being systematically detected and excavated for disposal. There are several other sites in the United States where smaller stockpiles are awaiting neutralization in compliance with international chemical weapons treaties.

==External links==