Nerve Gas Research Complies With Mass. Safety Standards

A Cambridge laboratory conducting research into toxic nerve gas chemicals complies with state safety standards and even exceeds them, says a report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released to the Cambridge City Council earlier this week.

Concern last fall over possible danger to the public from chemical research at the Arthur D. Little company's Cambridge facility promoted the investigation, Dr. John Cutler, director of the Division of Environmental Health Assessment of the DPH, said this week.

But Cutler added that department inspectors on November 2 found the Little Company to be using "excellent safety practices" at its newly built toxic chemical laboratory, and in transporting the chemicals to the lab site.

According to the report, only one half liter of the nerve agents will be allowed in the laboratory at one time, and the single entrance to the room restricts access to authorized personnel, who must shower and change clothes before leaving.

Ventilation will be through chemical hoods, and fire alarms and smoke detectors are connected directly to fire departments in Cambridge. Arlington and Belmost, the report says.

During transportation, the material will be in 10 ml. Sealed vials, which will be inside one-quart cans filled with enough absorbent material to prevent leakage in case of a spill, and the shipments will be coordinated by military vehicles with state police and local fire departments, the report continues.

"We far exceed any existing standards, and are considered advanced state-of-the-art." Alms Triner, vice-president for public relations at Arther D. Little said this week.

And Triner said the report was a routine investigation by the DPH because the company had opened the reconstructed facility and was working with toxic chemicals.

Councilor David E. Sullivan, who presented the report to the council, said yesterday he hoped the information would speed formation of a scientific advisory committee to the city, proposed last fall by then-Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci.

The council voted to form the committee after a public hearing on the laboratory Councilors were concerned both with safety to the public and with the fact that the primary use of nerve gas is for military chemical war fare, and decided to form the committee to report on toxic chemical and other controversial research conducted in Cambridge.

Triner confirmed that some of the research was contracted by the military, but added some chemical detection processes being developed have civilian uses as well.

"I think this shows how important it is that we organize the scientific committee." Sulli van said "I will urge the new mayor to make that the first of his priorities."

Mayor Leonard J. Russell was elected on Monday.