Seoul: No white phosphorus has been found at the US Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, the US Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday, after an emergency alert was issued in the region last week over a suspected white phosphorus leak at the base.
The USFK disclosed the findings on the Osan Air Base website after the Pyeongtaek city government issued the alert on July 28, notifying the public of a possible white phosphorus leak at the base following a report from the US military, Yonhap News Agency reported.
“Following thorough inspection and testing, we can confirm that the crystallisation and residue identified during a routine munitions inspection on July 28 were not white phosphorus nor contained traces of white phosphorus,” the USFK said.
“After follow-on analysis, we are confident that the residue was non-hazardous surface corrosion resulting from environmental exposure over time,” it said.
Emergency response professionals responded immediately to ensure full containment of the munitions and base operations are proceeding normally, with no injuries, the USFK also noted.
“We deeply value the trust of our Pyeongtaek neighbours and are committed to keeping everyone safe, informed and updated,” it added.
White phosphorus is an extremely toxic substance capable of burning human tissue down to the bone upon contact. Its military use is tightly regulated and discouraged by the international community.
On July 28, Officials said white phosphorus leaked from two munitions, although the exact amount released remains unconfirmed. No casualties have been reported, they said.
The US military reportedly informed the city that the leaked substance had been roughly 80 per cent diluted and that it poses a low risk to public health and the surrounding environment.
Pyeongtaek authorities subsequently lifted the evacuation advisory, about 36 minutes after the initial alert, informing residents that it was safe to return to normal after necessary measures were completed at the US base.
The US military confirmed a “ground mishap” had occurred and cordoned off the area to protect the base and local residents, saying the situation is being addressed swiftly.
(IANS)
