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Yet more dangerous is the radioactive dust
that is released when a depleted uranium projectile hits a target.
Small particles of radioactive material can travel through the air
dozens of kilometers from the site of the explosion. If they are
inhaled, digested, or penetrate the skin, these insoluble oxides
are difficult to eliminate from the body -- uranium tends to stick
to the bones, kidneys, liver and brain.
Because it is a heavy metal, depleted uranium
can be both a chemical poison and a radiation hazard. The chemical
hazard is greater, according to the U.S. Army.
Still, a preliminary meeting of NATO's
newly created Ad Hoc Committee on Depleted Uranium on 15 January,
found that there is no evidence that depleted uranium munitions
cause cancer, and no sign of any pattern of "Balkan syndrome"
illnesses.
According to professor Claude Maylin, director
of the radiotherapy section of the hôpital Saint-Louis in
Paris, illnesses like cancer and leukemia are usually the result
of long, regular and chronic exposure to the radioactive material,
which doesn't seem to be the case with the alleged instances of
Balkan Syndrome. He does, however, point to the possibility that
the diffusion of the particles into the air might be responsible
for the incidents of illness in the veterans.
On 12 January, German scientists studying
the health risks of depleted uranium recommended that Kosovo be
cleaned of traces of the metal left by NATO weapons. Their statement
suggested, "Contaminated areas should be marked and sealed
and cleansed of uranium traces.''
The experts found no evidence that peacekeepers
were likely to suffer health problems after serving in Kosovo, where
depleted uranium ammunition was used. They said that no link has
been shown between the depleted uranium used in armor-piercing weapons
and serious illnesses such as leukemia.
However, the German researchers remain
concerned about possible health risks to children living in the
effected areas. The children are feared to be at risk if they inhale
uranium dust or put their hands in their mouths after touching the
toxic metal.
United Nations officials said peacekeepers
had already begun marking known bomb sites for cleanup.
Understanding the Issue:
The Balkan Syndrome
The Weapons
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