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May 13, 2003
Release Number: 03-05-44


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SOLDIERS EXPOSED TO UNKNOWN CHEMICAL

TAJI, Iraq -- Fourth Infantry Division soldiers moving barrels in order to get to ammunition in a warehouse in the vicinity of Taji this afternoon were exposed to an unknown industrial chemical that leaked out of a 55-gallon drum.

All soldiers involved were decontaminated at the scene. Twenty-two soldiers were medically evacuated to the 21st Combat Support Hospital for evaluation and treatment, and four are being held for observation at the battalion aid station.

A FOX chemical detection vehicle dispatched to the site indicated the chemical was not a nerve, blister or blood chemical agent and confirmed it as an industrial toxin.

Further tests on the chemical are being conducted.

The names of the injured are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

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