Depleted Uranium - Children of the Gulf War Exhibition

A Different Nuclear War Children of the Gulf War Exhibition - photos by Takashi Morizumi

Depleted uranium is a by-product of the manufacture of nuclear weapons and fuel for nucelar power reactions. Although it contains only a low level of uranium-235, which is required for nuclear fission, it is a radioactive substance. Taking advantage of the hardness and desnsity of this material, the defense industry has developed a new type of armour-piercing shell, which is fired at high speed against the target. The impact generates intense heat and severe burning. Depleted uranium weapons were first used in the Gulf War. The shell disintegrates into particles that permeate the air and soil of the surrounding area and pollute the water. When this toxid metal penetrates the body or is ingested, the incidence of cancer, leukemia, liver and kidney disorders, tumours and birth defects is high. Depleted uranium was left behind in Bosnia and Kosovo. It is likely that it was used in Afghanistan. The continual use of depleted uranium weapons in the future is extremely dangerous to human beings and the environment. The Children of the Gulf War exhibition can be borrowed from the Peace Foundation Wellington Office (04 496 9629).

Some of these photos are quite graphic. Please exercise viewer discretion.