War is hell, and in this particular hell the goal is to kill the enemy. However in modern warfare every effort should be taken to minimize “collateral damage.” A specific case of this is before the United States military establishment right now.

Since the Gulf War the U.S. military has employed depleted Uranium munitions. At first glance these appear to be “superior” armaments. Cheap and effective, their density and self-sharpening properties make them appear to be the “perfect” weapon. However depleted uranium strikes the enemy not once, but twice. Uranium, like most heavy metals, is terribly toxic. The military’s zealous overkills in Iraq, the Balkans, and even Puerto Rico have been littered with highly toxic depleted uranium. An informational presentation will be taking place today in room 1040 of the Dana Building at 7:30 p.m. While many of the alleged dangers of depleted uranium remain in contention, education is always helpful.

While the radiological dangers of depleted uranium are less than natural uranium they still remain a concern, and may possibly be linked to Gulf War Syndrome. Depleted uranium remains as toxic as mercury, yet the U.S. military has relentlessly shelled the hills of Kosovo and the countryside of Iraq with this substance. As much as a two-thirds increase in the cancer rate among Iraqis may be due to the use of depleted uranium in the Gulf War. Even if, as the Defense Department claims, depleted uranium offers insignificant radiological threat its chemical toxicity remains.

While uranium evokes fears of radiation depleted uranium is more dangerous in terms of chemical toxicity. The potential nuclear threat of depleted uranium is dwarfed by the chemical threat. But a chemical analysis of depleted uranium turns up a shocking reality. If depleted uranium were administered to an individual with a teaspoon, its chemical toxicity would kill more people than it could as a low grade nuclear bomb.

The dangers inherent to depleted uranium: Kidney damage, liver failure, etc. are significant enough to civilian populations that this hazardous material should be restricted if not outright banned. As the U.S. enjoys a military superiority of immense magnitude these munitions are not necessary and serve only as cost effective tank killers. The toll they take in human life clearly warrants both more research into the long-term effects of depleted uranium exposure and a moratorium on their use and manufacture. Rather than risk the lives of civilian children, military service personal and unknown environmental problems the Defense Department should take responsibility and take measures to avoid the “collateral damage” inherent to depleted uranium.