Edouard Bastarache on sat 3 may 03
1-Due to its high density, about twice that of lead, and other properties,
DU is used in munitions designed to penetrate armour plate and for
protection of military vehicles such as tanks.
2-A recent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report giving field
measurements taken around selected impact sites in Kosovo (Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia) indicates that contamination by DU in the environment was
localized to a few tens of metres around impact sites. Contamination by DU
dusts to local vegetation and water supplies was found to be extremely low.
Thus, the possibility of significant exposure to the local populations was
found to be very low.
3-However, levels of DU may be significantly raised over background levels
in close proximity to DU contaminating events. Over the days and years
following such an event, the contamination will become dispersed into the
wider natural environment. People living or working in affected areas can
inhale dusts and can consume contaminated food and drinking water.
4-There is a possibility that people near an aircraft crash may be exposed
to DU dusts if counterweights were to combust on impact. Significant
exposure to people from this situation would be rare. Exposures to clean-up
and emergency workers following aircraft accidents are possible, but normal
occupational protection measures would prevent any significant exposure
occurring.
Later,
"Ils sont fous ces Quebecois"
Edouard Bastarache
Irreductible Quebecois
Indomitable Quebeker
Sorel-Tracy
Quebec
edouardb@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
http://sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/smart2000/index.htm
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