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Nerve Agent Neutrali-
zation
Nerve Agent Neutralization
The Nerve Agent Neutralization process breaks down chemical agent with hot water and a caustic compound. In this neutralization method to destroy chemical warfare agents stored at chemical agent disposal. During the destruction process (called chemical hydrolysis), sodium hydroxide was added to the chemical warfare agents. Afterwards, the waste from this process was treated further at a different location.
Biotreatment is the processing of organic waste, in this case chemical agent breakdown products, using living organisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoa. It is an environmentally friendly, relatively simple and cost-effective alternative to other clean-up options.
At the various nerve agent (chemical warfare nerve gas) destruction facilities throughout the United States, 50% sodium hypochlorite is used to remove all traces of nerve agent or blister agent from Personal Protection Equipment after an entry is made by personnel into toxic areas. 50% sodium hypochlorite is also used to neutralize any accidental releases of nerve agent in the toxic areas. Lesser concentrations of sodium hypochlorite are used in similar fashion in the Pollution Abatement System to ensure that no nerve agent is released in furnace flue gas.