White Phosphorus Leak at US Military Base Near Seoul

A white phosphorus leak at a US military base near Seoul, South Korea, has prompted a warning for civilians to evacuate the area. The leak occurred at around 17:00 at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek city. Following the leak, civilians in the surrounding area were warned to "temporarily move to a safe location" and decontamination efforts were carried out within the base. Security measures were taken within a 300-500 meter radius of the base, and traffic was redirected. White phosphorus is a chemical used in incendiary munitions and smoke bombs. When ignited, it burns at extremely high temperatures, capable of setting buildings on fire and burning human flesh to the bone. Contact with white phosphorus can cause severe chemical and thermal burns, and its treatment is challenging.