Parker Waichman LLP

Depleted Uranium Munitions Side Effects Could Result In Cancer Lawsuits

  Depleted Uranium Munitions Side Effects. Depleted uranium, or DU, is a radioactive by-product from the industrial process used to enhance uranium. Depleted uranium is the leftover uranium-238 that results when scientists seek to alter naturally occurring uranium into uranium-235, which is used to produce nuclear energy. Depleted uranium is used in bullets and shells […]

Depleted Uranium Munitions Side Effects

 

Depleted Uranium Munitions Side Effects. Depleted uranium, or DU, is a radioactive by-product from the industrial process used to enhance uranium. Depleted uranium is the leftover uranium-238 that results when scientists seek to alter naturally occurring uranium into uranium-235, which is used to produce nuclear energy. Depleted uranium is used in bullets and shells because it is a very heavy metal and can penetrate most armaments. Depleted uranium is the end result when most of the highly radioactive isotopes of uranium are removed.

The United States and Great Britain’s armed forces use munitions manufactured from depleted uranium because, when combined with metal alloys, they are most effective warhead for penetrating enemy tanks. In addition, depleted uranium is twice as dense as lead, the United States Army uses depleted uranium in armor plating. As soon as depleted uranium makes contact with its target, the uranium becomes a mist that can often be inhaled. Winds can carry this radioactive dust several miles, potentially contaminating the air and water that innocent humans breathe and drink. These munitions were used in both Iraq wars, Kosovo, and training sessions in Puerto Rico. Additionally, soldiers can experience the same ailments and side effects.

2006 Northern Arizona University Study

In April 2006, Northern Arizona University released a study illustrating that depleted uranium may damage DNA. In Iraq, depleted uranium deposits have already had effects on the population, including a 600% rise in both leukemia rates in children and birth defect rates. Northern Arizona University, biochemist Diane Stearns and her students are the first to show that when cells are exposed to uranium, the uranium binds to DNA and the cells acquire mutations. When uranium affixes to DNA, the genetic code in the cells of living organisms can change. Therefore, the DNA can make the wrong protein or wrong amounts of protein, which affects how cells grow. Some of these cells can grow to become cancer. Their findings were published recently in the journals Mutagenesis and Molecular Carcinogenesis.

The team’s findings have influential implications for the general population and the Navajo Nation living near abandoned mines within Southwestern states in the U.S. and in war-torn countries and the military, which uses depleted uranium. The uranium-mining boom crashed in the ‘1980s, and Stearns estimates that there are more than 1,100 abandoned mines on the Navajo Nation. Northern Arizona University, senior Hertha Woody grew up on the Navajo Nation in Shiprock, NM.

Prior to joining Stearns’ research group, Woody said she was not very aware of heavy metal contamination of soil and water from a large uranium tailing pile near her hometown. But now she wonders about the ongoing health problems of her uncle who worked in the uranium mine at Shiprock. And she worries about others living in the area. “My parents still live there and drink the water,” she noted.

On March 24, 2006, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wa. announced the start of an online petition aimed at convincing Congress to pass his bill insisting that the government investigate the harmful effects of depleted uranium munitions used by American troops.

Legal Help For Victims Affected By Depleted Uranium Munitions?

If you or a loved one have developed a serious side effect or ailments as a result of being exposed to depleted uranium munitions, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified pollutants attorney or call us at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you very much for helping me get my money but special thanks to Jorge who was always ready to help me with my case, sorry I must make a strong criticism of Michael who never helped me and complicated the process for me, I think he no longer works with this office, thank you Mil Jorge I will give you 5 and up to 20 stars for your work
Alvaro Sanchez
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Your staff are the greatest. Words can’t express how satisfied we are for what the staff did to change our lives. Thank you Parker Waichman. Thank you Jerry!
Davie Bush
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Jill was great she took care of me the best alway call to check up on me,great law firm
Trapt Genres
6 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038