About Depleted Uranium (DU)

(NOTE: Additional information and links to other websites addressing DU can be found here. Information on NYS legislation pertaining to depleted uranium can be found below.)

Background

Since 1991 veterans have been returning from combat areas with mysterious illnesses that are still not understood. The percent of veterans of the Gulf War I who are disabled is the highest ever. Depleted uranium (DU) is the "primary suspect" regarding these illnesses. The United States Dept. of Defense and the Veterans Administration have done a terrible job regarding the risks of DU. Many soldiers were not given proper training before combat operations. They were not given mandated pre-deployment medical evaluations. They were not given appropriate protective clothing or face masks. They were not told when they were sent into areas where DU weapons had been used. When they left combat areas they were not given proper post-deployment evaluations.

There are reports of sick veterans not being tested for DU contamination even when they asked to be tested. Even the test currently used by the Veterans Administration is regarded by many experts as not capable of detecting DU except in high concentrations. A much better test is available but the VA seems reluctant to use the better test. Perhaps the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration already know just how bad these weapons are. If so, then while they stall and stonewall more of these weapons are used, more people are exposed and medical services are not being provided to sick veterans. And what about the civilians of Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkan countries?

(Common DU munitions)

 

New York State Legislation re: Depleted Uranium

Update: April 8,2008
NY National Guard Military Toxins Law. Chapter 743-Laws of 2006
In November the NY Council of Veterans Organizations took over the lead lobbyist role for implementing the Law. Because the original funding Felix Ortiz had proposed be added to the bill was not included in the final Chapter 743-Laws of 2006, because the testing section of the law is both controversial and problematic, it was decided that the most effective intial goal would be to seat the Task Force, a major function of the law.

This oversight committee will consist of eleven scientist/physicians, veterans, and public officials including the Director of Veterans Affairs, the Commissioner of the Department of Health and the NY NG Adjutant General. This Task Force is charged with studying and reporting on the dangers of battlefield toxins such as depleted uranium. They must evaluate and correct the proper education of NY NG soldiers in these subject before deployment. They are charged also with setting up a NY Registry for long term follow up of the health of NY National Guard veterans.

As of January 2008, the following two Scientists and one Veteran have been officially appointed to the Task Force

Dr. David Carpenter, M.D., Director of the Institute For Health and the Environment at SUNY Albany, an expert in uranium and heavy metal toxicity was appointed as Task Force Chairman.

Dr. Philip Landrigan, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Community and Preventative Medicine at Mt Sinai Hospital and Director of the Environmental and Occupational Health Clinic which treats Ground Zero responders, also an expert in lead and heavy metal toxicity, accepted an appointment, stating "This is important work." He is also a Captain in the Naval Reserves.

Gerald Donnellan, Director of the Veterans Affairs Agency of Rockland County was also appointed.

The Governor's five assigned appointments were held up by the transition problems in the new Spitzer Administration. They insisted on waiting until a new Director of Veterans Affairs was chosen, and they postponed that appointment until November of 2007. With the enthusiastic cooperation of the new Director, Colonel James McDonough, at least three names have been sent to the Governor's Appointment Office to be "vetted," a process which can take up to six months.

Minority Leaders Senator Smith and Assemblyman Tedisco each have yet to appoint a scientist.

The Veterans Council and allies continue to lobby and inform the press about the need for this law to be implemented promptly.

If you would like more information about DU, or want to speak with someone locally about DU, contact Miles Manchester (E-mail).