DEPLETED URANIUM : LETHAL EFFECTS and ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
The use of depleted uranium (DU) in Afghanistan could effect the live of people in north
India.The increase in incidence of cancer was not only because of pesticides but also due
to low-radiation nuclear warfare.
The former Admiral of Indian Navy,V.Bhagvat said the use DU in Afghanistan could affect
the habitat of people living within 1000 mile radius of Kabul,which included
Punjab,Haryana,Delhi,UP,Rajasthan,Gujrat and parts of maharashtra.
Acording to a WHO report,in the 20th century approximately 100 million people died
across the world from tobacco related diseases like cancer.chronic lung disease,cardio-
vascular disease and stroke.Nucliar induced cancers were peculiar.
There had been initiatives by the Non-Alighned Movement wherein Indonesia got passed a
resolution titled "Effect of the use of Armament nand Munitions containing Depleted
Uranium",at the United Nations First Committee to ban these weapons.
He stated that India would have to make up its mind and show solidarity with the NAM on
this issue as it affected human habitat and the environment.The international community
should raise a unified voice against the use of DU and force to those nations that had used
DU munitions to recognize the bad consequences of their actions and assume
responsibility for health care and enviormental conservation.
DU was a deadly toy in the hands of the rulers.A particle of DU ingested or inhaled causes
one or more of the 90 odd debilitating diseases.The half life of DU is 4.5 billion years,and it
could destroy living things and the environment.
Technology had to be used for the welfare of mankind and not for his elimination.DU could
proove lethal for humanity by way of inglicting genetic disorders in future
generations.Depleted Uranium at 1000 degree C and it was insoluble in body fluids.A
study on rats revealed that DU accumulated in the heart,lungs,kidneys and other body
parts.
Post war data on DU in Afghanistan showed that in the exposed population,the
concentration of DU in urine was 315 to 2000 nanograms per litre against the benchmark
value of 12 nanograms per litre in normal people.
DU has both radiological and chemical toxicology effects.
-DR.NAVRAJ SINGH SANDHU
P.A.H.S.1