The group Right to Heal came to the US government concerning
the environmental poisoning of Iraq during the war. This group that is concerned
about the after war effects on veterans and civilian claimed that the burn pits
used by the US to dispose military waste and that was banned by congress 4
years before, continued to cause health problems
in Iraq. The group held a Quaker meeting house in Washington where witness
talked about personal experience faced in Iraq as result of the dangerous burn
pit and others (scientist) blamed the US for downplaying the health effects. One
of the group demands is large-scale clean in Iraq and tracking of the health of
the civilian who suffered the smoked of the burned plastic, metal cans, rubber
and other materials. On the other side, reports from the Institution of
Medicine show that not enough data exist to conclude that pollution that will
cause long-term health exist. There are other studies and data collected that
show higher rate of birth defects, cancers and other abnormalities are found in
areas such as Fallujah, near Bagdad.
This problem of toxics and poisonous gases is very expected
as remains of war. The problem becomes more alarming to know that those
involved are in larger numbers than usual. Although the Iraq veterans and the
civilians are the main victim, US soldiers are another party in this situation.
This problem will worsen with Iraq’s dust storm and the toxic substance can spread
to areas with less direct effect. In addition the poverty in many areas of Iraq,
the street children, unsupported large families, and other condition resulting
from soci-economic factors and the war can make things worse. Living in such
condition with chaotic war condition and unsettle condition just lead the
families to stay where they are regardless of the condition surrounding them.
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