Study: Inhaled dust from depleted uranium munitions increase risk of gene damage, cancer

Herbert Reed, 54, says he has required a massive assorment of medicine since being exposed to radioactive depleted uranium (DU) while serving in Iraq with the 442nd Military Police. The military uses DU for defensive armor plate and armor-piercing munitions. Depleted uranium (U-238) is known from studies to be toxic, especially to the reproductive system and fetus development. Photos widely available on the internet show terrifying birth defects in war-zone babies alleged to be caused by the use of DU munitions.

GORHAM, Maine, May. 8 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests exposure to particles of depleted uranium might increase the risk of genetic damage and lung cancer.

Depleted uranium is the material remaining after removal or depletion of the U-238 isotope. With a density about twice that of lead, depleted uranium is ideal for use in military armor and munitions.

But now John Pierce Wise Sr. and colleagues at the University of Southern Maine have discovered depleted uranium dust produced in combat creates potentially frequent and widespread exposure for soldiers and non-combatants inhaling such dust particles.

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