Health Risks of Depleted Uranium Exposure in Iraq
A recent study by Iraqi researchers has revealed alarming health risks associated with the use of depleted uranium (DU) during military conflicts, particularly in Iraq. Published in the journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry, the research indicates that individuals suffering from leukemia have significantly higher levels of uranium in their blood compared to healthy individuals. This finding underscores the long-term health consequences of exposure to depleted uranium, which has been extensively used in military operations since the 2003 Iraq war.
Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the nuclear enrichment process and is favored in military applications due to its high density, which allows it to penetrate armored vehicles effectively. However, despite its lower radioactivity compared to natural uranium, DU poses serious health risks. The study found that uranium concentrations in leukemia patients ranged from 1.47 to 4.57 micrograms per liter, exceeding the levels found in healthy individuals (0.56 to 2.26 micrograms per liter) and surpassing the internationally accepted safety limit of 0.810 μg/L. Researchers linked these elevated levels to environmental pollution caused by the use of DU in combat, which can enter the human body through inhalation, contaminated food or water, and skin contact. Once inside the body, uranium accumulates in bones and organs, leading to health issues such as leukemia, kidney failure, and respiratory diseases.
Rising Cancer Rates and Need for Action
The study's findings align with previous reports from the Iraqi Cancer Council, which noted a significant increase in cancer cases, especially leukemia, in areas heavily affected by military operations involving depleted uranium. Currently, over 30,000 cancer patients are receiving treatment in Iraq, many from regions exposed to DU contamination. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for decontamination efforts and stricter regulations regarding the use of depleted uranium in military conflicts.
Dr. Yasser Abu Shadi, a former IAEA inspector, stated that the results of this research provide further evidence of the detrimental impact of American military actions in Iraq. He called for increased local and international efforts to address the public health implications of DU exposure, highlighting that the legacy of war continues to affect the health of Iraqis. The research team plans to expand their study to investigate additional health effects linked to DU exposure, including potential birth defects, as previous studies have indicated a correlation between DU contamination and congenital disabilities in children.
