[Fwd: [CPEO-MEF] Chemical in vials found at Presidio injures staff archaeologist]

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Chemical in vials found at Presidio injures staff archaeologist
RON HARRIS
Associated Press Writer
Posted on Tue, Oct. 22, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO - Officials are investigating four vials found at the
Presidio containing a crystalized chemical - possibly mustard gas -
after an archaeologist for the former U.S. Army base received burns and
blisters on her hands while examining them.

Megan Wilkinson, an archaeologist at the Presidio, began examining the
vials Friday when she noticed a strong odor coming from them. She
immediately left the building and called the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, Presidio Trust spokesman Ron Sonenshine said
Monday.

Within hours, Wilkinson had developed burns on her right hand.

"Her skin was reddened and she had some small blisters," Sonenshine
said.

The vials were unearthed Wednesday by Presidio Trust volunteers near an
area of the national park known as Inspiration Point where they were
doing plant restoration work. The containers held a substance that
appeared blackened from age, Sonenshine said.

Sonenshine said the vials are believed to contain crystallized mustard
gas that was used at the location for Army training exercises in the
1960s.

The vials were labeled "HS," an Army technical term that stands for
mustard gas, Sonenshine said.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/4340033.htm

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