Just a month after human remains were turned up during renovations of Holden Chapel, testing has revealed that the site is contaminated by arsenic, environmental experts said this week.
The results of tests confirming presence of the substance--which were completed last Friday-- caused concern and discontent among college officials.
"Even though I was one of the people who suggested they test for arsenic, and knew there could be arsenic, I am so very disappointed that they did indeed find arsenic," said
Associate Professor of Anthropology Carole A.S. Mandryk, who gathered a team to excavate the artifacts.
Mandryk recommended the tests after she discovered that the basement was used by the Medical School in the early 1800's as a dissecting lecture hall.
Before beginning the excavation yesterday, the archaeologists underwent medical evaluations and extensive training in health precautions and suited up in full hazardous materials suits and respiratory masks while digging.
"Basically we're not supposed to breath the air or let anything touch our skin," said Rachel E. Sexton '00, an anthropology student who was overseeing the renovations.
"It went well, considering the conditions," she added.
"We've all been through an amazing amount of medical evaluation and training," Mandryk said.
Read more in News
Senior Gift Raises Record AmountRecommended Articles
-
Human Bones Found During Holden Chapel RenovationsWorkers stumbled upon human bones buried in the walls while working on renovations of the chapel's basement, college officials said
-
Arsenic and Old StandardsSomeone intends for your next glass of water to be peppered with arsenic, and it will not be the prosaic
-
Arsenic Found During Holden Chapel RenovationsJust a month after human remains were turned up during renovations of Holden Chapel, testing has revealed that the site
-
Arsenic and Old LaceArsenic and Old Lace is a delightfully funny play. Neither age nor the not-quite-first-rate present production obscures more than a
-
Archaeologists May Dig Site in SquareHarvard's Institute for Conservation Archaeology (ICA) will excavate a site under the Harvard Square subway entrance when construction begins there,
-
Poison Goes Down with a SmilePoet Samuel Coleridge described drama as “that willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, which constitutes poetic faith.” I was