Uranium threat to Iraq unit (DU/Aussies)

[Barrett808]

Uranium threat to Iraq unit
Luke McIlveen
09mar05

THE army is investigating the possibility that 450 Australian troops bound for Iraq could be exposed to toxic materials, including uranium.

The troops will be deployed to Al Muthanna province in southern Iraq, an area suspected of being a dumping ground for depleted uranium left by US forces in the Gulf War.

An Australian Army reconnaissance team has been in Iraq to investigate the presence of uranium and other safety threats, and is due to report back this week.

Defence authorities confirmed they were investigating the uranium threat to the Diggers, who will be sent to Iraq in May to protect Japanese military engineers.

"The health and safety of our personnel is the ADF's highest priority," the Department of Defence said in response to written questions from the Herald Sun this week.

"The ADF is aware of the issues surrounding the presence of depleted uranium in Iraq.

"The ADF currently has a reconnaissance team in Iraq that is examining in detail a range of issues related to the forthcoming deployment.

"Following their assessment, the ADF will take the necessary steps to ensure that the deployment will be as safe as possible."

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12483662%255E662,00.html

[clem_c_rock]

1. Oh come on DU is completely harmless. It's half life is thousands

Years. And, you know those little whiney soldiers from the first gulf war that were complaining about, what do you call it, "Gulf War Syndrome", it was from Saddam's chemical weapons.

Quit you're bitching, send us your kids, and wave your flag. We got some Arabs to kill.

[Barrett808]

2. kick