DEPLETED URANIUM SHELLS

File: 970619_doc1_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 1
Subject:	DEPLETED URANIUM SHELLS

b1 SEC 1.5C

WORLD  HEALTH ORGANIZATION WILL NOT SEND MISSION TO IRAQ TO VERIFY THE 
ALLIESÆ USE DURING THE GULF WAR OF DEPLETED URANIUM SHELLS.

IN MAY 1993, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) DENIED IRAQÆS REQUEST TO 
SEND A FACT-FINDING MISSION TO IRAQ TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLIESÆ USE OF DEPLETED 
URANIUM SHELLS AGAINST IRAQ DURING THE GULF WAR.

THE WHO DOES NOT NORMALLY UNDERTAKE FACT-FINDING MISSIONS TO COUNTRIES 
TO VERIFY THE USE OF NUCLEAR OR CHEMICAL WEAPONS, SINCE THIS COMES UNDER 
THE MANDATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

THE WHOÆS INFORMATION ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARTILLERY SHELLS INDICATED 
THAT THE LOW RADIOACTIVITY OF THE DEPLETED URANIUM IS NOT CONSIDERED TO 
CONSTITUTE A RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARD.  IN ADDITION, FOR HUMAN BEING, 
AVERAGE BODY BURDENS OR URANIUM METAL HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH TOXIC 
EFFECTS.

HOWEVER SHOULD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE COMPOSITION OF THESE SHELLS 
BECOME AVAILABLE, AND SHOULD THERE BE EVIDENCE OF SIGNIFICANTLY RAISED 
LEVELS OF URANIUM.

IN THE AIR, FOOD OR DRINKING WATER, THE ABOVE ASSESSMENT WOULD NEED TO BE 
RECONSIDERED.