Iraqi Scientists to Wage War on Pollution

[seemslikeadream]

By Matthew Green

....

"My country is faced with a wide range of pressing issues that must be addressed if the Iraqi people are to enjoy a stable, healthy and prosperous future," Environment Minister Mishkat Moumin said in a statement released by the United Nations Environment Program's headquarters in Nairobi.

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Environmentalists and anti-nuclear activists have linked depleted uranium used in U.S. and British munitions to higher rates of cancer and birth defects in Iraq following the 1991 war, although the study is not focusing on this issue.

In a separate plan, UNEP has requested $2.5 million from donors to assess sites that scientists suspect are polluted by depleted uranium, which is so dense it can pierce tank armor.

.....

Scientists also plan to visit the Al-Mishraq Sulphur State Company to assess pollution from sulphur fires, and the Midland Al-Doura Refinery Stores to investigate spills of more than 5,000 tons of chemicals, including tetraethyl lead.

Tests are also planned at the Al-Suwaira Seed Store, where seeds have been coated with methyl mercury fungicide, a particularly toxic form of the liquid metal that can damage the human nervous system.
UNEP said about 50 tons of contaminated seeds were stolen during last year's U.S.-led invasion, raising the risk of contaminating food supplies such as bread.

more
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=570&ncid=753&e=6&u=/nm/20040914/sc_nm/iraq_environment_dc

[mom cat]

1. The US will block any study of DU.

[truthisfreedom]

2. oh God, what a horrible place to grow up. eom