Publication Laka-library:
In a State of Uncertainty. Impact and Implications of the Use of Depleted Uranium in Iraq
Author | IKVPax, W.Zwijnenburg |
6-05-2-10-13.pdf | |
Date | January 2013 |
Classification | 6.05.2.10/13 (DEPLETED URANIUM - LOCATIONS DESERT STORM / IRAQ / KUWAIT) |
Front |
From the publication:
IN A STATE OF UNCERTAINTY Impact and implicatons of the use of depleted uranium in Iraq IKV/PaxChristi Wim Zwijnenburg ISBN: 978-90-70443-28-3 January 2013 Executive summary The use of depleted uranium (DU) in conventional munitions has generated controversy for more than 30 years. Research increasingly supports the idea that there may be a link between its use and reports of increasing health problems in those countries where it has been deployed. Of these, Iraq is by far the most affected country, with large quantities of DU munitions used in 1991 and 2003. However, uncertainties over its impact and implications remain. This report is one of the first to attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of DU in Iraq by US and UK armed forces, and the subsequent actions, or lack thereof, that have been undertaken to address the issue of DU contamination and resulting exposure to civilians. Furthermore, it will provide an overview of reported health problems that might be related to exposure to DU, and other toxic remnants of war, and will provide recommendations for next steps to be undertaken in order to minimise the risks to the civilian population. The aim of this report is to provide greater clarity on the impact that the use of DU has had on Iraqi society; in doing so it will document the persistent uncertainty that continues to affect the daily lives of Iraqi civilians.