Gulf troops babies are 50% more vulnerable

[JoFerret]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/03/24/ngulf124.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/03/24/ixnewstop.html
Babies whose fathers served in the first Gulf war are 50 per cent more likely to have physical abnormalities than those born to soldiers not sent to the region, according to a study published today.

Increased risks of genital, urinary and renal abnormalities and deformed limbs, bones and muscles were found in the Ministry of Defence-funded survey.

<snip>
Miscarriages were also 40 per cent more common ...
<snip>

The six-year study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found no strong link between service in the Gulf and chromosome, heart and nervous system damage in the offspring of veterans or of stillbirths.

<snip>

Terry English, of the Royal British Legion, said: "Anecdotal evidence from veterans has suggested a greater rate of miscarriage and this appears to be the first scientific evidence that confirms this."

Of 53,000 British troops sent to the first Gulf war, about 630 have died and almost 6,000 have claimed war pensions.

A range of causes for the illnesses have been suggested including depleted uranium fallout from munitions, vaccinations administered and tablets taken before the conflict.
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[The Zanti Regent]

1. Love that depleted uranium!

(SARCASM MODE OFF)

[Systematic Chaos]

3. Ah, the specter of simultaneous posts rears its ugly, radioactive head....

n/t

[UpInArms]

6. and the legacy of our children

and our children's children -

So unnecessary and tragic.

For additional information on the effects on DU, I recommend the following link (with the caveat that the faint of heart should stay away)

http://www.web-light.nl/VISIE/extremedeformities.html

[Systematic Chaos]

2. And that's what they can see at birth!

I think that over time we'll see a correlation such that for every 10 years or so of life for these kids, you can tack on another zero to that "50%".

Got depleted uranium?

[WitchWay]

4. This is why it is URGENT

To encourage that Kerry oppose and support withdrawal from Iraq ASAP.
He also needs to oppose the use of depleted uranium weapons, and conduct a cleanup. WE need to get out of there, and stop poisoning our soldiers and the Iraqis and the children of both nations.

This children, both Iraqi and Soldiers' children, are the unfortunate victims of the wars that we wage in the name greed. The oil industry and military industrial complex are thriving from their suffering. It is inexcusable. Totally and Absolutely inexcusable. Children are suffering because of Corrupt Politicians and Corporate Greed! WE cannot tolerate this from our government.

There is no excuse for this war, or the use of Depleted Uranium. Depleted Uranium is a war crime. It's destructive potential will continue well beyond the lenghth or boundaries of this war.

We must INSIST that this war end immediately. This is not a petty issue that can be brushed aside and ignored as if it were some tiny nuisance, or to be callously used by the presidential candidates just to show that they are "strong on defense" while knowing full well the war is all about oil.

This war must end. This is becoming a nightmarish quagmire.

[donsu]

5. agree - Bring All The Troops Home Now

nt