Global Security Newswire

Two months after it opened, a new laboratory that is set to test chemical decontamination kits was publicly unveiled yesterday by the U.S. Defense Department at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Ga., the Associated Press reported (see GSN, June 11).

The laboratory is initially expected only to test skin decontamination kits, stored in dark green packets and carried by all combat soldiers in case of exposure to agents such as mustard gas or sarin. The kits are perishable and researchers at the Albany laboratory are to determine whether they could be effective beyond their estimated expiration dates.

“This is not just a Marine Corps issue,” said Jack Hart, a joint services nuclear, biological and chemical warfare program manager. “Every war fighter in every service uses a decontamination kit. There are millions out there.  With the growing threat of weapons of mass destruction, it is essential for the DOD to test its equipment so we know when to throw it away,” he added.

The laboratory at some point could take on similar tasks, such as testing other types of decontamination kits and chemical protective suits, according to Hart. He added that toxic substances would not be used for the scheduled tests, AP reported.

“What we have here is nontoxic and environmentally safe,” he said (Elliott Minor, Associated Press/WTVM.com, June 14).