UXO Disposal Response Results in Potential Mustard Exposure

South, Wales Two British Army EOD Technicians that took part in a controlled detonation of a discovered UXO have reportedly been treated for mustard agent exposure. The unexploded WWII era projectile was discovered on a beach on the Gower Peninsula. EOD responded and decided to conduct a controlled detonation in place to dispose of the UXO. The disposal operation went off as planned however, three days later, two of the EOD Technicians involved in the disposal operation reported experiencing blisters on their skin indicative of mustard exposure. The two technicians were treated at a hospital and subsequently released.

The section of beach impacted by the disposal operation has been closed and thoroughly searched but no other UXO or potential CWM contamination was found. As a safety precaution, National Public Health Service officials released a notice to the public instructing anyone who may have visited the beach who has experienced irritation to skin or eyes, blistering, fever, headache or severe nausea to seek medical treatment. The area where the UXO was found and subsequently disposed of was once a WWII era practice range.