AND WHAT IS THIS? – AT 2:30 P.M. ET:  An incident at Hamburg airport, Germany, often a crossing point for terrorists, raises serious questions.  From London's Express:   

A police spokesman confirmed a suspicious gas or toxin - which is believed to have been pepper spray - was found during a security check after staff and passengers complained of irritated eyes and airways.

Reports claim a small irritant gas cartridge was found in a trash can in the security area, suggesting a passenger or staff member sprayed the gas then disposed of the tin.

Unconfirmed reports have also suggested the suspect gas could have streamed into the airport through the air-conditioning system.

The alarm was raised late this morning after several people reported smelling nasty odours and complaining of having breathing problems, severe coughing and burning eyes.

Fire crews rushed to the scene along with several rescue cars and extinguishers.

Rescue services quickly evacuated the airport between terminals one and two - sending hundreds of passengers and employees to wait in the opposite parking area in sub-zero temperatures to keep the access roads clear.

COMMENT:  We have nothing late on this, but the incident proves the vulnerability of large crowds to airborne toxins.  A warning to all transportation systems.

February 12, 2017