Syria removes hazardous chemical cylinders found at school in Deir Ezzor
Deir Ezzor, Sept. 15 (SANA)The Syrian Atomic Energy Commission and the Hazardous Materials Response Directorate at the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management have removed hazardous chemical waste discovered at a school in Al-Shaahfa in Deir Ezzor countryside after civilians reported its presence.
The commissionsaid on Monday that specialized teams collected samples from the containers for laboratory analysis to identify their contents and determine safe disposal procedures.
An initial technical assessment found three large cylinders buried in the schoolyard, two of which were sealed and remained in a safe condition, the commission said.
Following a field inspection that examined the cylinders’ shape, size, markings and color, along with instrument readings, technical teams determined that the containers held industrial liquefied chlorine gas (Cl₂-LPG), according to the commission.
The specialized teams secured the site in line with safety procedures for handlinghazardous chemicalsand removed the cylinders from the school to protect the surrounding area pending their safe disposal.
The commission said the operation was carried out to safeguard public safety and maintain a secure educational environment by neutralizing the chemical hazard and transferring the materials for disposal in accordance with approved protocols.
It urged residents to immediately contact relevant authorities, emergency response teams or the Syrian Civil Defense upon finding unfamiliar or suspicious objects, and to avoid approaching, moving or tampering with them.
The commission said that in a separate operation on July 16, specialized teams contained and transported a deteriorated armored container containing radioactive materials discovered on the outskirts of Al-Waer neighborhood in Homs.
The operation demonstrated the commission’s commitment to radiation safety and nuclear security standards, it said, adding that no elevated radioactive leakage was detected and that there was no radiological risk or threat to public health or the environment.