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Last updated on Thursday, July 31, 2008
(UNDATED) - About 140 Indiana National Guard soldiers may have been exposed to a toxic chemical that could cause serious health problems.
Specialist William Henry says the guard is notifying soldiers and former soldiers of the contamination risk by letter.
The US recently discovered that sodium dichromate was used at the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Facility in Basra, Iraq between May and September 2003.
Symptoms from exposure include sores inside the nose and sores on the skin that tend not to heal; skin irritation; tearing and eye irritation; runny or bleeding nose; sneezing, coughing, wheezing or pain in the chest when breathing; fever; and nausea, vomiting and upset stomach.
Long-term exposure can cause lung cancer. A toll-free hot line is available for soldiers potentially exposed to the toxic chemical.
The number is (800) 237-2850, ext. 3128. The hot line is staffed daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
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