The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #58380   Message #925443
Posted By: CarolC
03-Apr-03 - 03:06 PM
Thread Name: BS: Where are the WMDs?
Subject: RE: BS: Where are the WMDs?
As far as what the World Health Organization (WHO) has to say about DU, Teribus and I have been on this merry-go-round before. This is what the WHO has to say about areas contaminated with DU:

"Following conflict, levels of DU contamination in food and drinking water might be detected in affected areas even after a few years. This should be monitored where it is considered there is a reasonable possibility of significant quantities of DU entering the ground water or food chain.

Where justified and possible, clean-up operations in impact zones should be undertaken if there are substantial numbers of radioactive projectiles remaining and where qualified experts deem contamination levels to be unacceptable. If high concentrations of DU dust or metal fragments are present, then areas may need to be cordoned off until removal can be accomplished. Such impact sites are likely to contain a variety of hazardous materials, in particular unexploded ordnance. Due consideration needs to be given to all hazards, and the potential hazard from DU kept in perspective.

Small children could receive greater exposure to DU when playing in or near DU impact sites. Their typical hand-to-mouth activity could lead to high DU ingestion from contaminated soil. Necessary preventative measures should be taken.

Disposal of DU should follow appropriate national or international recommendations."

World Health Organization