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Radiation experts warn of long-term health risks from DU weapons used in Gulf war
By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor
An expert report warning that the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons by the British and US Allies in the Gulf war posed a significant long-term health risk to Iraq's civilian population has been kept confidential. The study, authored by three prominent radiation scientists, highlighted the potential for individuals, especially children, to develop cancer from inhaling dust containing DU, which is both radioactive and toxic. However, it was prevented from being published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with the main author, Dr. Keith Baverstock, alleging deliberate suppression. The WHO denies these claims.
Secret study raises concerns about DU weapons
The study, conducted in 2001, outlined the potential dangers associated with DU weapons and recommended limitations on their use by the US and UK forces during the war. It also stressed the need for comprehensive decontamination efforts after the conflict. However, no such decontamination has occurred, and UN experts have not been granted access to Iraq to assess the environmental pollution caused by DU.
Dr. Baverstock, who worked as a senior radiation advisor for WHO for 11 years and now collaborates with the University of Kuopio, Finland, believes that the study was suppressed due to pressure from a pro-nuclear UN body, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He claims that publishing the study would have provided valuable insights into the risks associated with the use of DU weapons in Iraq.
Concerns about long-term health impacts
The report argues that the arid climate of Iraq increases the likelihood of tiny DU particles being dispersed and inhaled by civilians for years to come. It also highlights the potential impact of DU radiation and toxicity on neighboring cells, a phenomenon known as "the bystander effect," which could lead to various illnesses, including cancer. Furthermore, the DU used in Iraq, like that used in the Balkan conflict, may be contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive waste, making it even more hazardous to human health.
Pekka Haavisto, the chairman of the UN Environment Programme's Post-Conflict Assessment Unit, shares Dr. Baverstock's concerns about the health effects of DU in Iraq. He emphasizes the need for urgent investigation and proper cleanup efforts to mitigate the risks posed by DU contamination, particularly in areas where buildings have been repaired and reoccupied without being adequately decontaminated.
The Impact on Hotels and Tourism
Amid the ongoing debate and concerns surrounding the health risks associated with DU weapons in Iraq, the country's tourism and hotel industry has also been affected. The potential long-term health implications and the negative media coverage surrounding DU contamination could deter tourists from visiting Iraq.
Hotels in Iraq, especially those in heavily affected areas, may experience a decline in bookings and occupancy rates due to the heightened public health concerns. Tourists and business travelers alike are likely to prioritize their safety and opt for destinations with lower perceived risks.
The lack of comprehensive decontamination efforts and the potential for DU particles to be present in public areas further exacerbate the situation. Visitors may be hesitant about staying in hotels and using facilities that may unknowingly harbor DU contamination, especially in regions where cleanup efforts have not been implemented effectively.
The UN Environment Programme's efforts to assess and monitor DU contamination in Iraq are crucial not only for public health but also for the recovery of the country's tourism industry. By addressing the environmental concerns and implementing robust decontamination procedures, Iraq can work towards rebuilding trust and attracting visitors who are assured of their safety.
In conclusion, the secret report highlighting the health risks associated with DU weapons in Iraq raises significant concerns. The suppression of such information prevents the public from accessing vital knowledge that could influence policy decisions and drive necessary cleanup efforts. As the country strives to rebuild, addressing the DU contamination issue and ensuring the safety of its citizens and visitors must be a priority.