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For the sake of time, I'm going to summerize the argument for stopping the use of and studying further DU munitions.
Point 1: over 350 tons of DU munitions were used in Iraq during the American disarming of Iraq after the attack on Kuwait, a.k.a. Desert Storm.
Point 2: When DU munitions are used, the DU bullets and bombs to not splat like lead munitions. They splinter and puncture, turning to dust. This dust can easily be inhaled by the soldiers firing the munitions just as the soldiers/insurgents/civilians being attacked can also inhale the DU dust.
Point 3: While DU is basically harmless externally (the skin can protect you from the ill effects of DU), when taken in through inhalation - breathing DU air, ingestion - eating food with DU dust on it, or injection - DU shrapnel, it can be spread through the blood stream to vital parts of the body such as the bones, brain, liver, lymph system, spleen, testes/ovum and other organs.
Point 4: DU, like naturally occouring uranium, has detrimental effects on DNA and chromosomal growth such as destruction or mutation. DU exposure can result in increased chromosomal aberrations. It can cause DNA to form incorrectly, possibily leading to cancer. DU has been linked to damage in the liver, kidney, and lymph system.
Bottom line: We should stop using DU munitions for however long it takes to prove CONCLUSIVLY that it is safe and non toxic to organisms. We understand that DU munitions primary use is for breaking through armor, and that it is important in making war. However it's radiological effects could last for generations.
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