MINDEN, LA. | KTVE/KARD: LSU Shreveport chemistry professor Dr. Brian Salvatore says several toxins linked to cancers and other illnesses could be sent into the air through an open burn. There are things that could cause birth defects, and some of these things could prohibit the blood from carrying oxygen if you breathe them in, says Salvatore. He fears the toxins released during such a burn could create health problems for most of North Louisiana. Local politicians and residents agree the chemical should be removed but the question is how to get rid of it safely? The EPA has ordered the disposal of about 15 million pounds of M6 propellant stored here at Camp Minden, but citizens are concerned an open burn would create a health risk. State representatives are asking the EPA for other solutions that would be safer for the public, even if its more expensive. If its harmful then we dont want it. If its not harmful, and it is the quickest way, that is fine. Prove it. Make sure. Dont knee jerk reaction this thing and make a mistake that causes a lot of problems for a lot of people, says Reynolds. Dr. Salvatore says instead of a burn, he believes the M-6 should be re-purposed and recycled using water. If you cut them underwater and store them in barrels underwater, they are rendered harmless. Its the sort of thing a sophomore in chemistry could come up with after two semesters of organic chemistry, says Salvatore.
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:15:12 +0000