No white phosphorus leak at US air base in South Korea

The U.S. military confirms there was no white phosphorus leak at its air base in South KoreaByHYUNG-JIN KIM Associated PressSEOUL, South Korea -- The U.S. military said Thursday its investigations confirmed there were no white phosphorus leak at one of its air bases in South Korea, days after local authorities urged residents to evacuate over concerns about a suspected leak.On July 28, the Pyeongtaek city government sent text messages advising its residents to move to safe places and avoid skin exposure, saying white phosphorus was leaked at the Osan Air Base in the city, which is just south of Seoul, the capital. White phosphorus is a controversial chemical substance used in incendiary munitions and smoke shells. When ignited, it burns at extremely high temperatures and can set buildings ablaze and burn human flesh to the bone. City officials said they lifted the evacuation alert later in the day after being informed that the U.S. military finished decontamination work. They said their earlier text messages were issued following consultations with the U.S. military and South Korean police and emergency offices.The U.S. military said in a statement Thursday it has confirmed the cry...