Toxic Agent Found in UN Building

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

A nerve agent was removed from a UN office building yesterday. The chemical, phosgene, was recovered from an Iraqi munitions factor in 1996.

REPORTER: For some people working near the UN building, yesterday's news was unsettling. Others found it highly ironic. Helene Barsamian works for a German nonprofit across the street from the building where the chemicals were discovered.

BARSAMIAN: I'm totally surprised and shocked. That this ended up here and we've been looking for this stuff for what, 5 years now? What can I say? You have to smile.

REPORTER: The UN says it discovered the samples Friday while archiving files, but it took officials until yesterday to find a report with an inventory identifying the vials.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Are Waymo robotaxis actually safer than NYC Uber and taxi drivers?

A new analysis concludes Waymos were involved in more serious crashes per mile than the city’s for-hire fleet.
Gothamist |

Summer Friday: Health & Ultraprocessed Food & America's History with God

For this Summer Friday, some favorite recent interviews, including our annual 'health convening' on ultraprocessed foods and Ilan Stavans on America's history with religious belief
The Brian Lehrer Show |

How Socialist Is the D.S.A.? Megan Romer Explains

Romer, a co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, defends some of the D.S.A.’s controversial positions: “I think people like us being rather bold. . . . People want a fighter.”
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

American History Fridays: Lady Bird Johnson

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE