APSN | Agent Orange found at US S. Korea base

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Agent Orange found at US S. Korea base

UPI - September 9, 2011

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Chilgok, South Korea – Investigators said they found traces of the toxic chemical Agent Orange in and around Camp Carroll, a US military facility in South Korea.

A team of local and US specialists found traces of 2,4,5-T, a key component of cancer-causing defoliant in five groundwater wells tested at the base in Chilgok, the team said Friday.

The levels of contamination were below what the World Health Organization permits for drinkable water, officials said.

The investigation began after three US veterans of military service in Korea said they helped bury hundreds of drums of what was presumed to be Agent Orange, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Traces of another key component, 2,4,-D, were not detected in the examinations, the team said.

Agent Orange was sprayed on trees and plants to remove their leaves during wars.

Investigators said they also found a high level of volatile organic compounds, exceeding 900 times guidelines permit for drinking water, which could pose a risk to human health.

Team members said they will be take action to stop people who live near the base from drinking the water until further studies can locate the exact source of the contamination.

A full report of the joint team's findings on the potential soil contamination will be released in October.