Depleted Uranium An Opinion on Whether the Benefits Outweigh the Risks
Depleted uranium has been used by the U. ... and Britain have claimed that, although DU is radioactive and toxic, it poses no long term environmental or health risks but since the war doctors in southern Iraq have reported an increase in cancer and birth defects. Radiologist Alexandra Miller believes that the idea of chemical and radiological effects of uranium reinforcing each other causing significant harm is very plausible (1). ... Depleted uranium should not have been used in the Gulf War because it has adversely affected the health of Iraq’s people and U. ... The use of depleted uranium in the Gulf War has heavily affected the health of soldiers who have fought there. ... For example, DDT was an effective pesticide but its damage outweighed the benefits. ... According to the Pentagon, when DU hits a target, it ignites and creates a uranium oxide cloud that quickly settles locally on the ground. ... The potential effects of depleted uranium on the human body and environment are concrete reason why it must be banned from use in warfare.