Scottish Sunday: Arts: Culture

Radiation Experts Warn of Long-Term Health Risks from DU Weapons

An expert report warning that the long-term health of Iraq’s civilian population would be endangered by British and US depleted uranium (DU) weapons has been kept secret. The study, conducted by three leading radiation scientists, cautioned that children and adults could contract cancer after breathing in dust containing DU, which is radioactive and chemically toxic. However, it was blocked from publication by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which employed the main author, Dr Keith Baverstock, as a senior radiation advisor.

Suppressed Findings Raise Concerns

Dr Baverstock alleges that the study was deliberately suppressed, as he believes its publication in 2001 would have increased pressure on the US and UK to limit their use of DU weapons in the Gulf War and to clean up afterwards. The report highlights that hundreds of thousands of DU shells were fired by coalition tanks and planes during the conflict, with no comprehensive decontamination efforts. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) experts have not been allowed into Iraq to assess the pollution.

The Health Hazard of Depleted Uranium Weapons

Baverstock emphasizes that the widespread use of depleted uranium weapons in Iraq could pose a unique health hazard to the civilian population. The study suggests that DU's radioactivity and chemical toxicity could cause more damage to human cells than is currently assumed. There is growing scientific evidence supporting the possibility that low-level radiation from DU could harm cells adjacent to those directly irradiated, a phenomenon known as "the bystander effect." Baverstock also warns of the potential "cocktail effect" of radiation and chemical toxicity further increasing the risk of cancer.

Contamination Concerns

Furthermore, DU in Iraq may be contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive waste, making it more radioactive and hence more dangerous. The study urges further investigation into these possibilities to fully understand the potential health risks. Pekka Haavisto, the chairman of UNEP's Post-Conflict Assessment Unit, echoes these concerns and believes DU contamination in Iraq is a significant concern.

Immediate Action Needed

Despite concerns raised by experts, both the British and US governments have been slow to address the issue of DU contamination in Iraq. The lack of proper cleanup and the potential reuse of DU-contaminated materials further compounds the risk to both adults and children. Immediate action is required to properly assess and mitigate the health risks posed by depleted uranium.

Depleted Uranium and its Impact on Hotels

The long-term health risks associated with depleted uranium weapons are not limited to the areas directly affected by conflict. The travel and hospitality industry should also take note of these concerns, as DU contamination can pose health risks even in locations far from conflict zones.

Hotel operators should ensure that their properties are not inadvertently contaminated with DU or other hazardous materials during conflicts. Proper screening and decontamination protocols need to be established to protect both guests and employees. Additionally, hoteliers should advocate for stricter regulations and international collaboration to limit the use of DU weapons, as well as effective cleanup procedures in affected regions.

By being proactive and informed about the potential health risks of DU, the hotel industry can demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its patrons and contribute to the global efforts to minimize the harmful effects of conflict.