SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- No white phosphorus has been found at the U.S. Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Thursday, after an emergency alert was issued in the region last week over a suspected white phosphorus leak at the base.

The USFK disclosed the findings on the Osan Air Base website after the Pyeongtaek city government issued the alert on July 28 notifying the public of a possible white phosphorus leak at the base following a report from the U.S. military.

"Following thorough inspection and testing, we can confirm that the crystallization and residue identified during a routine munitions inspection on July 28 was not white phosphorus nor contained traces of white phosphorus," the USFK said.

"After follow-on analysis, we are confident that the residue was non-hazardous surface corrosion resulting from environmental exposure over time," it said.

Emergency response professionals responded immediately to ensure full containment of the munitions and base operations are proceeding normally, with no injuries, the USFK also noted.

"We deeply value the trust of our Pyeongtaek neighbors and are committed to keeping everyone safe, informed and updated," it added.

pbr@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • Galaxy Z series logs 1.44 mln preorders in S. Korea, highest on record
  • U.S. Marines stage live-fire drills involving FPV drones for 1st time in S. Korea
  • Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo files appeal after paying 13 bln won in taxes
  • (2nd LD) Temperatures soar to record 42.5 C in southeast

  • Navy's ROKS Daejeon awarded 'top gun' honor at RIMPAC

  • (LEAD) Police raid Starbucks Korea over controversial promotional event

  • (3rd LD) Temperatures soar to record 42.5 C in southeast
  • U.S. Marines stage live-fire drills involving FPV drones for 1st time in S. Korea
  • Full text of op-ed by new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Michelle Steel

  • Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo files appeal after paying 13 bln won in taxes

  • (LEAD) Lee cites coup risk from Army elite, calls for swift integration of military academies

  • Heat-related death toll rises to 21 amid serious heat wave
  • U.S. Marines stage live-fire drills involving FPV drones for 1st time in S. Korea
  • (LEAD) S. Korea posts record-high current account surplus again in June on strong chip exports
  • N. Korea fires unidentified projectile toward East Sea: military