The Loughlin family lived in their Spring Valley home for nearly six years without knowledge of toxic arsenic that contaminated the ground beneath their property. Their two small daughters played in the yard, dug in the flowerbeds, and ran through sprinklers in the grass. Now their mother has nightmares about what may happen to her children as they grow up.

The Spring Valley neighborhood of Washington D.C. was once used as a dumping ground for World War I chemical munitions. The Federal government knew about the arsenic contamination in the area but did nothing to warn local families, including the Loughlins. After much persistence, the family was finally allowed access to government documentation showing arsenic contamination below their house.

Upon learning that the arsenic levels on their property were extraordinarily high, the Loughlins exercised a buy-back clause in their contract and moved out of the home.

In May 2001, Army chemical workers began digging in the Loughlins' former yard and removing chemical debris. The excavation has now extended onto the neighboring property, the Korean Ambassador's home.

To date, 40 bottles containing mustard agent and lewisite have been found. The chemicals were used during World War I.