A minute amount of mustard blister agent vapor leaked from a container stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in Oregon, the Tri-City Herald reported today (see GSN, April 24).
Bulk containers filled with hazardous agent are kept in storage igloos, which are fitted with passive filtration systems that prevent gas from being released into the environment. The leak posed no threat to the public or environment, according to depot officials.
A powered filter was being added to the storage igloo that contained the leaking tank. Depot personnel were scheduled to enter to igloo to find the leaking container and determine a course of action for handling the problem.
Mustard gas is a chemical agent that causes severe blisters on the skin, eyes, and -- if inhaled -- internal organs. Umatilla plans to begin destroying its mustard agent stockpile this spring (Tri-City Herald, May 12).