Chemicals in Vials Injure Presidio Archeologist
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An archeologist for the Presidio suffered burns and blisters on her right hand after examining four vials containing a crystallized chemical, possibly mustard gas, found on the grounds, a spokesman for the former Army base said Monday.
The vials were unearthed by Presidio Trust volunteers near an area of the national park known as Inspiration Point, where they were doing plant restoration work.
The injured archeologist, Megan Wilkinson, was examining the vials when she noticed a strong odor coming from them. She left the building and called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Trust spokesman Ron Sonenshine said the vials are believed to contain crystallized mustard gas that was used at the location for Army training exercises in the 1960s.
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