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Telegraph 6th January 2001
Dangers of use of depleted uranium ammunition during the Gulf War
Written answer by John Spellar, Armed Forces Minister, to Tam Dalyell MP on measures to ensure British troops serving in the Gulf War were protected against ingesting radioactive particles from depleted uranium. Dated Nov 30, 2000 Early in the 1990-1991 Gulf conflict, the Ministry of Defence decided that the DU based tank round should be brought into service to give our forces a better capability against Iraqi tanks. At the same time, a bulletin was produced setting out safety procedures. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel, whose work entailed a direct risk of significant exposure, were provided with detailed instructions on the precautions that they should take to protect their health. Instructions were also issued to Ordnance Corps personnel involved in the handling, transportation and storage of the ammunition. It appears that tank crews and other personnel were not issued with such advice. The February 1991 signal on precautionary measures to be taken with regard to the use of depleted uranium ammunition which the tank crews and other troops were not told about. Two potential health risks from DU oxide dusts exist. First. Irradiation from alpha particles. Levels are extremely low but ingestion and inhalation should be avoided. Second. Heavy metal oxide treat as for exposure to lead oxides. Particulate size will be largely 4 to 9 microns. Advise as follows. Wear industrial type individual protective equipment with particulate respiratory protective equipment canister, gloves and overalls. Take care not to ingest dust on food by secondary contamination. NBC individual protective equipment with S10 [gas mask] considered totally satisfactory. For light exposure use S10 or equivalent. Dust will remain in situations where any rounds expended but will probably vent or disperse if initial contamination light. If presence of human remains requires hosing down first, this would of course help with the DU oxide dust. Dangers of use of depleted uranium ammunition in the BalkansKfor document issued by the German contingent and dated June 30, 2000 Regulations in areas with possible Depleted Uranium ammunition 1. It must be assumed that not only the interior but also the surrounding area of an armoured vehicle destroyed by DU-ammunition is contaminated by depleted uranium. One must proceed from the assumption that contamination from DU-oxide compounds was caused within approximately 50 metres of a hit vehicle. 2. When approaching destroyed vehicles in theatre, there is a potential health hazard in the form of DU-exposure stemming from ammunition parts and destroyed, DU-contaminated vehicles. Long-term hazards may also result from drinking water and soil contamination. 3. Personnel must not approach destroyed vehicles, except for life-saving purposes and or measures indispensable to the mission accomplishment. Ammunition, ammunition parts or other potentially contaminated material must not be touched. 4. The following protective measures have to be strictly followed if contamination cannot be excluded:
House of Commons Defence Committee report on illnesses affecting Gulf War veterans, May 11, 2000"We appreciate that the possible adverse health effects of depleted uranium is a hugely complex issue. Although the MoD may have acted correctly from the scientific viewpoint in this respect, the way it has dealt with veterans' concerns has not been impressive. The MoD took action on DU testing only when it became unavoidable. "We hope that the MoD will learn from this and approach veterans' concerns in a less defensive and more collaborative way. We expect the MoD to demonstrate that it is driving research in this area rather than, as has appeared to be the case so far, adopting a reactive approach and responding to new developments only when forced to by events." |
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