Nerve Gas Vials Found At UN

Vials of a deadly nerve gas were discovered in one of the United Nations buildings in Manhattan. Initial reports indicated that these were nerve agents found in Iraq, meant for destruction, but somehow they fell through the loop and were sitting around for ten years. This appears NOT to be a threatening situation now that the vials have been removed.

Workers were evacuated from a building when the deadly agent, phosgene was discovered in weapons inspectors' files that had been sealed since 1996. The deadly nerve agent was first discovered in the al-Muthanna chemical weapons plant north of Baghdad. Officials are easing concerns, stating that there is no imminent danger. Apparently, the vials were discovered nearly a week ago, but the FBI evacuated the building as it removed the agents.

Phosgene is a major industrial chemical used to make plastics and pesticides. At room temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit) phosgene is a poisonous gas. The agent can be stored as a liquid, but when a vial is broken, the gas is dispersed quickly, staying close to the ground and spreading rapidly. The gas may appear colorless or as a white or off-white cloud. At low concentration, the gas' odor may smell pleasant, like newly mown hay.

The gas' military designation is "CG," and it was used extensively during World War II as a choking agent. Personal risk depends on how close you are to the agent when exposed. Upon exposure to phosgene, the following symptoms may develop immediately:

• Coughing
• Burning of the eyes and throat
• Blurred vision
• Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin contact can result in lesions
• Fluid build up in the lungs
• Low blood pressure
• Heart failure

What you can do after exposure:

• Leave the area as soon as possible. Getting to fresh air quickly can significantly improve your chances of survival. If outdoors, head upwind and to high ground, as the gas is heavier than air. If indoors, leave the building.
• Remove your clothing and rapidly wash your body with soap and water, and get medical care quickly. Cut clothing off, do not pull shirts over your head.
• If your eyes are burning, rinse them with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash glasses and dispose of contact lenses.
• If ingested, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
• Regional Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
• CDC: 1-800-CDC-INFO