Do you know what Phosgene is? Apparently neither did the border police 11 years ago when they allowed the World War I chemical weapon substance enter the U.S. from Iraq. Or did they know? The items were clearly marked on shipping manifests 11 years ago, but went through security to be stored in a Manhattan office building used by the UN.
We are concerned about screening passengers for things in their toothpaste, while the government is carrying toxic materials onto our commercial airliners?
Phosgene can be used as a chemical weapon, and was used extensively in World War I as a choking agent. Both phosgene gas and liquid can damage skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. The material was in a liquid state when re-discovered this past week. According to police, the substance poses no danger to the public at large.
I found this great reference on phosgene here.
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