What is Depleted Uranium?
In the 1991 Gulf War, Allied forces used Depleted Uranium as armour piercing bullets and as tank armour for the first time. These weapons are both radioactive and toxic. Uranium oxide formed during production, testing and on the battlefield pose a longterm threat to human health and the environment.

DU is what is left when enriched uranium is separated from natural uranium. Using this leftover product in weaponsis therefore a very 'convenient' and cheap way of making deadly weapons.

DU weapons are manufactured by British (and US) companies, are tested here, in S. Scotland, are cxported to other countries, and most inportantly, continue to be used in military operations in the Gulf and elsewhere.

Depleted Uranium weapons are listed by a subcommision of the United Nations Commision on Human Rights, as weapons of mass or indiscriminate destruction.

When DU shells explode, particles are released, which can cause lung cancer when inhaled. Uranium can be passed on through the placenta, causing horrific congenital malformations, and can be carried to the infant in mothers milk. It can damage the ovum and sperm, causing genetic damage to offspring. Uranium can also cause irreparable damage to kidneys and to the liver.
 

Dangers of DU
DU - The Agent Orange of the 1990's

In Iraq, where UK and US forces definitely used these weapons in the 1991 Gulf War and are still using them now, children and other civilians are dying from radioactive poisoning. British journalists are among those who havew reported on the horrifying birth deformities that are occuring with alarming frequency. Children are born without limbs, without eyes, noses, without genitalia, and with cancers and leukaemias. These are often children who are born to fathers who had been in areas of heavy bombardment or who had farms in areas that had been bombarded. Children and adults are also protracting cancers and other illnesses from lving, playing and farming in areas where DU shells were used.
There has been a staggering 66% increase in the rise of leukaemias and other cancers, some types of which were considered extremely rare before the war. The effect of the UN imposed sanctions on Iraq means that there is no way of treating these chronically sick children - there are neither drugs or medical equiptment available.

Gulf War veterans in the US and UK are also affected by cancer related illnesses, which are linked to the use of DU weapons. Some have already tested positive for radioactive poisoning. Any attempts to verify this, however, have met with secrecy and a clampdown from the MoD.

A high incidence of childhood leukaemias has also been noted in Dumfries in Scotland where DU weapons have been test-fired. The population of other places in this country where the weapons are either tested or stored is also being put at risk.

The Campaign

To fight for a global ban on the manufacture, export and use of Depleted Uranium weapons.

To fight for the recognition by the Ministry of Defence that these weapons of mass destruction are responsible for appalling illnesses and deaths of innocent civilians in Iraq and elsewhere, and of Gulf War veterans.

How we will campaign

Combat the secrecy surrounding Depleted Uranium by disseminating information about its uses and its dangers.

Put pressure on ministers, MPs, and MoD officials through lobbying, letter-writing, and symbolic actions.

Provide speakers and campaigning materials for other groups.

Link with the humanitarian groups calling for an end to sanctions on Iraq.

Link with other international and national campaigns and creating a solid body of support from members of all types of communities from war veterans to Iraqi children.

By encouraging people to get involved and campaign alongside us.

If you would like to recieve our mailings, or would like to find out more information about the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium, please write to the CADU address below enclosing an SAE.

How you can help

By using and distributing the material in the briefings.

By organising meetings about Depleted Uranium in your group, or in your local area (we can help with speakers and information).

By writing letters to the local and national newspapers, radio, and other media.

By donating your time and/or your money to help CADU.

By writing to your MP, your MEP, and government officials in the MoD, demanding to know why the army is still using these weapons, why companies here are still producing these weapons, and why they are still allowed to sell them to other countries.

Write to:

Secretary of State for Defence,
Ministry of Defence,
Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB.

Your MP,
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA.
 

CADU c/o Greater Manchester and District CND One World Centre, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS 0161-834-8301 Fax: 0161-834-8187 gmdcnd@gn.apc.org

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