RE: Moving nerve gas waste is criticized

[Theodore Henry <ted@theodorejhenry.com>]

Not sure about VXH and too tired tonight to confirm environmental 1/2
life of VX, but I believe VX is the most persistent of the nerve agents
and that the 1/2 life can be in the order of weeks depending on such
factors as temperature.

Separate from Susan's points of discussion and my tidbit addition, I did
skim the article and saw a sound-bite I could not pass up.  By far my
favorite quote in the article is "Stand-alone, these things do have some
toxic properties, but in this mix they're no more hazardous than table
salt."  Spoken like a true, old-fashioned spokesman.  Simply classic!

Based on this crisp scientific statement, I would suggest that anyone
driving home from the grocery store with salt in the trunk should
contact the Department of Transportation to get the necessary placard
and consult the state with regard to the least populated route home -
apparently table salt can be darn nasty.

 

Ted Henry


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan L Gawarecki [mailto:loc@icx.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 11:38 AM
To: CPEO
Subject: Re: Moving nerve gas waste is criticized

According to DOT regulations, trucks transporting hazardous chemicals, 
explosives, and radioactive materials are placarded to reflect the 
nature of their load.  Emergency responders are trained to interpret the

placards and respond to the situation accordingly.  While nerve gas is 
rightfully considered a very hazardous cargo, there are plenty of 
chemical tankers on the roads every day with loads that are every bit as

dangerous.  Chlorine is routinely transported in bulk for use at water 
treatment plants and swimming pools.  It was once used as a chemical 
weapon.  Nerve gas at least is designed to degrade quickly when exposed 
to the environment so the attacking troops can move in after it's been
used.

The DOT publishes a list of chemicals identified by a numerical 
designation on the truck or tank car placard.  If you make note of these

on the road, you will be quite amazed at the number and variety of 
hazardous materials shipments.  The most common of these, of course, is 
gasoline.  Frankly, I don't see any difference in being killed by a 
crash of a truck carrying nerve gas vs. the explosion of a gasoline
tanker.

Susan Gawarecki

-- 
.....................................................
Susan L. Gawarecki, Ph.D., Executive Director
Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee
102 Robertsville Road, Suite B, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Toll free 888-770-3073 ~ www.local-oversight.org
.....................................................

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