Department of Defense Management of Hazardous Materials

GAO discussed the Army's use of Decontamination Solution 2 (DS2). GAO found that: (1) less toxic substitutes for DS2 are available and are being used by the Air Force and the Navy; (2) the Army's storage facilities for DS2 did not comply with regulations; and (3) the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) was selling excess DS2 to the public without providing information on potential dangers and the safety precautions that need to be taken when using DS2. GAO believes that: (1) the Army and Marine Corps should use a substitute for DS2; and (2) DLA should not sell DS2 to the general public, and should restrict sales to recyclers.