Personnel at a U.S. Army installation in Hawaii last month found a nearly century-old mortar that is believed to contain the chemical warfare material phosgene, the Honolulu Advertiser reported (see GSN, Aug. 1, 2008).
The World War I-era weapon was uncovered June 27 during routine excavations on the firing range at the Schofield Barracks. A team of Army experts, using isotopic neutron spectroscopy, last week found that the 17-inch shell probably contains phosgene, a deadly choking agent. The chemical, originally used in pesticides and plastics, was employed during World War I and stockpiled through World War II.
The shell was discovered in the same area as a cache of 71 unexploded chemical weapons filled with phosgene and chloropicrin, which the base destroyed last year. The Army said then it did not know why there were so many chemical-filled munitions at the site.
The phosgene mortar is being stored securely ahead of destruction, according to the Army.
"The health and safety of those who live and work on Schofield Barracks, as well as in our surrounding communities is our primary concern," said Col. Matthew Margotta, commander of the U.S. Army Garrison on Hawaii. "We have the technical experts on site to assist in the safe handling and storage of this round until its disposal, and are coordinating with state and local officials to ensure appropriate safety procedures are implemented" (William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser, July 11).