The US military dumped 64 million pounds of nerve gas, mustard, and other chemicals into the ocean after World War II, along with 400,000 bombs and land mines. At least 26 landfill sites were used, and there are likely more. The long-term environmental impact is unknown. Other countries have also dumped chemical weapons into the ocean.
Seawater can be quite dangerous, depending on where you live. The US military has admitted dumping 64 million pounds (29 million kg) of nerve gas and mustard into the sea after World War II. In addition, army officials say 400,000 bombs, land mines and rockets have been dumped overboard and more than 500 tons of radioactive waste now lies on the ocean floor. At least 26 landfill sites were used from 1944 to 1970, ranging from the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico to the waters around California, Hawaii and Alaska. In 2005, the Newport News Daily Press reported that military records are incomplete, meaning there are likely multiple sites, including probable dumping activity after World War I. Aided by decades of saltwater corrosion, chemical weapons could slowly spill their contents, but the long-term environmental impact of these chemicals released over time is unknown.
Military chemicals in the world’s oceans:
One drop of nerve agent can kill in a minute. In the ocean, however, its effectiveness wears off after six weeks. On the other hand, mustard gas becomes a crusty and deadly gel in seawater, which persists for at least five years.
The Army said most of the dumping occurred in deep water and that it is not a danger to divers or commercial fishing operations. But the impact has not been adequately studied by scientists.
Other countries have experienced similar problems. Chemical weapons were dumped off the coast of Italy and an estimated 35,000 tons of World War I chemical munitions were found off the coast of Belgium.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
