Citizens Around the World Rally in Protest Against the Use of Depleted Uranium (DU) Weapons

During the week of January 15-19, activists and organizations from communities in the United States will participate in a variety of events aimed at protesting the production, testing, use and disposal of DU weaponry.This International Week of Actions was organized and facilitated by the Maine-based national environmental organization, the Military Toxics Project.(A list of some of the events and contacts are attached.)

Since 1991, the Military Toxics Project (MTP) has been researching and releasing information about the dangers of depleted uranium.That same year, in a March Los Alamos National Laboratory Memorandum, Lt. Col. M.V. Ziehnm stated, "There has been and continues to be a concern regarding the impact of DU on the environment.

Therefore, if no one makes a case for the effectiveness of DU on the battlefield, DU rounds may become politically unacceptable and thus, be deleted from the arsenal...I believe we should keep this sensitive issue at mind when after action reports are written."

The U.S. Department of Defense estimates approximately 315 tons of DU was fired in the Gulf War in 1991.Such firing resulted in the release of large amounts of uranium dust, which contaminated tanks, vehicles and land.Depleted uranium dust can be transported by wind or water, and can enter the body via wound contamination, injection (such as fragments), inhalation, or ingestion.

Among the short and long term effects of inhaled or ingested DU particles are kidney and liver problems, immune system dysfunction, reproductive problems, birth defects, and cancer.

Tara Thornton, national DU organizer for the Military Toxics Project maintains, "DU is not just a problem overseas and for U.S. and allied troops.DU is a huge problem here at home.Indigenous communities at the beginning of the life cycle of DU (mining) to workers at production facilities to communities that host facilities involved in testing all feel the effects of DU."

MTP has maintained for almost a decade that DU an environmental health threat whose costs of human health and cleanup are incalculable.

The Military Toxics Project's web site at www.miltoxproj.org has been an important source of information on the issue of DU.In addition, MTP has provided information over the past few years to the United Nations; government officials in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Japan, Italy; the World Health Organization; the International Red Cross; groups in more than two dozen countries, and at the International Hague Appeal for Peace Conference held in 1999.In 1998, the Military Toxics Project initiated a pilot health study, which indicated that seven years after the Gulf War, veterans tested positive for levels of DU in urine.Three years ago, MTP set up and continues to facilitate an Internet DU listserv in which 192 representatives from 26 countries participate in discussions and information sharing to support MTP's international call for a BAN on the use of depleted uranium weapons.

MTP is a national, grassroots environmental justice organization formed in 1989 to hold the military accountable for adverse impacts to the environment, health, and cultures.