The Health Hazards of Depleted Uranium Munitions Part I

摘要: This document is the first of a two part report to be published by Royal Society on health effects deployment munitions containing depleted uranium in both 1991 Gulf War, and more recently Balkans. Part I faithful its title, scope being limited estimation amount (DU) from which soldiers could have been exposed, an evaluation radiocarcinogenic potential DU (chemical toxicity will considered along with environmental impacts II), summary discussion epidemiological findings respect exposure, suitable introduction problem number conclusions recommendations. Although main body consists but 24 pages text, references, glossary, acknowledgments brings total length only 30 pages, three appendices - one for each major topic areas add another 50 document. Considering brevity report, are particularly welcome provide necessary enhancement. rather technical nature, like quite readable; indeed entire marked degree clarity writing organisation that commendable. The 28 page Appendix 1, competently assembled Drs Michael Bailey (National Radiological Protection Board) Clive Marsh (AWE Aldermaston) provides comprehensive in-depth consideration exposures battlefield use DU, appears fully acceptable answers this regard. shorter 14 2, prepared Professors Dudley Goodhead (Medical Research Council) Jolyon Hendry (Christie Hospital) fine general radiological risks specific risk exposure levels developed previous appendix. In third final appendix, Valerie Beral Sarah Darby (University Oxford) neatly six brief review studies workers. Limited as latter appendix occupational studies, it does not touch various populations exposed high background drinking water, notably recent Canadian study than 10,000 persons. But perhaps these well greater UNSCEAR BEIR V discussions radioepidemiologic aspects specifically alpha emitters generally, also conspicuously absent included II report. There no surprises I; all straightforward standard science using techniques, data references familiar most radiation protection professionals, stray basic mission, staying highly focused radiologically induced cancers DU. Cancer evaluations based exclusively 1990 International Commission (ICRP) methodology, buttressed statements Agency (IARC), clearly unequivocally lead unexpected cancer very low indeed, even if estimated doses factor 100 too low, detection any excess group followed years unlikely. Commendably, working stuck strict application ICRP methodology leaving albeit uncertainties primarily thereby avoiding appearance lack definitive knowledge or scientific consensus estimation. On other hand, preparers might opted meet head question public media want answered, namely allegations made press electronic media, individuals, sundry afflictions solid tumours leukaemias suffered civilians alike, who may had state passing radioactive nature unlikely cause such illnesses. considers manifestations (i.e. radiocarcinogenesis) addressed II. recommendations Several appropriately call better characterisation mechanisms One calls long term follow-up incidence mortality veterans War (but, curiously, apparently Balkans), raises why should cancer. Another recommendation `...a information systemic model used predict urinary excretion...' involving human volunteers refine model. Certainly, appropriate, light new (including postmortem data) subsequent were All all, well-done, concise munitions, prove considerable value interest physicists, biologists, physicians, policy makers, significantly, potentially cohort hopefully find solace logically