8/9/2008: Security News Brief: Mustard Gas Leak at Chemical Storage
Facility:

LEXINGTON, Ky: Officials at a chemical weapons stockpile in Kentucky
suspect rising summer temperatures are partly responsible for the
second mustard gas leak in less than two weeks after the storage site
went three years without one. Like the previous leak detected on July
28 at a separate storage igloo, the one found Wednesday at Blue Grass
Army Depot in Richmond was only a low concentration of the blister
agent and not considered dangerous to the community or environment.

Once the source of the leak is detected, the weapon will be packed in
a large leak-proof container to prevent future problems.

Richard Sloan, public affairs officer for the chemical storage site,
said it wasn't clear why there have suddenly been two leaks, but all
signs were pointing toward the heat. Mustard agent is essentially leak-
proof and in a solid form at 56 degrees and lower. When the mercury
rises, so does the opportunity for a leak, Sloan said.

"It's not an accurate predictor, nothing is, but we have found as the
temperature rises, we tend to melt the mustard," Sloan said.