29. DEPLETED URANIUM
Adopted at the 2003 VFP Convention
WHEREAS, Depleted Uranium (also known as DU) is radioactive, and
WHEREAS, radiation safety standards are based on data from external exposure models, and
WHEREAS, many reputable nuclear physicists, including former Pentagon and VA experts, describe enormous health consequences when models of internal exposure to DU are used, and
WHEREAS, these scientist also suggest internal DU exposure is a likely cause of GWS; and
WHEREAS, increased rates of birth defects and cancer occur in exposed areas, and
WHEREAS, the nuclear industry, the Pentagon, the VA, and the munitions industry, have vested interests in describing DU as safe, and each would each be significantly impacted by adjusting to newer standards, and
WHEREAS, evidence suggests the risk associated with DU exposure has been suppressed by those with vested interests, and
WHEREAS, the global consequences of contamination by nuclear (enriched and "Depleted" Uranium) exposures are eternal (4.5b years for DU), and
WHEREAS, screening, testing and treatment procedures for DU exposed troops and civilians currently exist, and,
WHEREAS, UK, US and other global scientists have the capacity to assess the health consequences of internal DU exposure, and
WHEREAS, it is our duty to protect the welfare of U.S. and allied military personnel, veterans, and innocent civilians at home and abroad,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the VFP support global banning of all DU munitions and other radioactive weapons, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention (warring nations must avoid harming civilian populations) and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, VFP supports screening and treatment for all exposed members, or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the VFP formally support the McDermott bill, HR 1483 The DU Munitions Act of 2003, and its comprehensive approach to environmental mitigation, cleanup requirements, and scientific models studying internal exposure to DU, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the VFP enlist the support of other national veteran groups in advancing awareness and suggesting actions on DU-related issues.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Aronson and DU Committee,
VFP Humboldt Bay Chapter 56 California
CARRIED
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