Iraq littered with contamination: Over 40 sites with radiation or dioxins linked to cancer, birth defects, ill health.
More than 40 sites across Iraq are contaminated with high levels or radiation and dioxins, with three decades of war and neglect having left environmental ruin in large parts of the country, an official Iraqi study has found. Areas in and near Iraq's largest towns and cities, including Najaf, Basra and Falluja, account for around 25% of the contaminated sites, which appear to coincide with communities that have seen increased rates of cancer and birth defects over the past five years. The joint study by the environment, health and science ministries found that scrap metal yards in and around Baghdad and Basra contain high levels of ionising radiation, which is thought to be a legacy of depleted uranium used in munitions during the first Gulf war and since the 2003 invasion. llefthandpalm: Birth Defects - the real surge in Iraq: One picture that tells us everything about the barbarity of depleted uranium munitions and our shameful complicity in allowing their use. This is what is being done to Iraq children - before they are even born - in our name. (Graphic) More photos here.