Depleted Uranium

The war's littlest victim - New York Daily News

In early September 2003, Army National Guard Spec. Gerard Darren Matthew was sent home from Iraq, stricken by a sudden illness.

One side of Matthew's face would swell up each morning. He had constant migraine headaches, blurred vision, blackouts and a burning sensation whenever he urinated.

The Army transferred him to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for further tests, but doctors there could not explain what was wrong.

Shortly after his return, his wife, Janice, became pregnant. On June 29, she gave birth to a baby girl, Victoria Claudette.

The baby was missing three fingers and most of her right hand.

Daughter of Soldier Contaminated with Depleted Uranium in Iraq Born with Deformities Democracy Now! Interview 9/30 (transcript, audio & video)

US forces' use of depleted uranium weapons illegal

British and American coalition forces are using depleted uranium (DU) shells in the war against Iraq and deliberately flouting a United Nations resolution which classifies the munitions as illegal weapons of mass destruction.

DU contaminates land, causes ill-health and cancers among the soldiers using the weapons, the armies they target and civilians, leading to birth defects in children.

DU Resources:
Campaign Against Depleted Uranium
Depleted Uranium In Depth
Depleted Uranium Watch