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.