We've known about it for quite a while but it just hasn't been reported in the mainstream press: the exposure of both civilians and military in combat areas to NDU (non-depleted uranium) and DU (depleted uranium) dust. I caught this article on Top 25 Censored Stories (I'm not sure that they are really censored, just "avoided").
The contention is that Iraq and Afghanistan are now irremediably contaminated with radioactive elements as a result of our invasion. For quite a few years, our tanks have used depleted uranium warheads on their shells. It's a very heavy substance and is ideal for penetrating heavy armor ('cause its also very hard). However, a significant portion of it does get turned to dust on contact with the target and since it doesn't decay, remains in the environment to be breathed in by anyone in the area. Forever.
This stuff is incredibly toxic. In fact, plutonium is the most toxic substance known to man and is both mutagenic (to DNA) and teratogenic. Uranium is only slightly less so.
People have talked of the "Gulf War Syndrome" for years. I haven't heard much, if any, mention of it being related to exposure to radioactive elements in the environment. But it seems obvious that it is an issue from this report.
And, unfortunately, there is no cure.
Posted by artandscience at September 7, 2004 09:28 AMWe had to destroy the village to save it?
Posted by: paul at September 7, 2004 10:12 AM