Was hydrogen peroxide dumped into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
Serious measures are being taken to eliminate the green algae that has filled the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, just days after multimillion-dollar renovations were completed.
Minister Donald Trump He promised the pool would be “American Flag Blue,” but weeks before the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the U.S. Department of the Interior is working to have it return to its normal color.
Those efforts included dumping a toxic chemical into the pool, videos shared online on Tuesday showed.
So are the videos real? Here’s what we know.
Was hydrogen peroxide spilled into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
A video shared by someone on Tuesday morning CBS News reporter Workers were seen pouring gallons of hydrogen peroxide into the reflecting pool.
Additional videos also showed several cans covering part of the pool as workers poured gallon jugs of liquid into the pool.
The Interior Department told USA TODAY Network on June 15 that it would apply “nanobubble technology” to eliminate algae in the pool and that the reflecting pool would be “completely” remedied.
The ministry later confirmed it would use hydrogen peroxide to treat the pool, saying it was a milder treatment than chlorine.
“It has no harmful side effects to marine life or the environment,” according to the statement. “Nanobubble technology has been tested and validated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Ohio State University, and the University of Florida.”
Hydrogen peroxide spilled into the pool 12% for HarrisThe concentrated formula, which the brand says is “safe for use around humans and pets when used as directed.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has deemed the chemical dangerous. OSHA said the chemical can cause skin burns and eye damage if touched, and can cause irritation and pain in the mouth and throat if swallowed.
“Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid breathing vapor, mist, or spray,” OSHA says.
It’s unclear how many gallons of fluid were used, but some people believe It would probably take thousands of gallons to effectively shock the pool.
most of the pool remained green Tuesday at 13:00.
Contributed by: Joey Garrison, USA TODAto
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Why was a toxic chemical spilled into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
