Radioactive contamination in Babylon: a silent disaster that threatens lives and the environment

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[size=52]Radioactive contamination in Babylon: a silent disaster that threatens lives and the environment[/size]

[size=45]Radioactive contamination in Babil province poses a growing threat to the health of the population and the environment, according to local and international reports. Several areas in the province, especially those that witnessed previous military activities, suffer from high levels of radiation due to the use of munitions containing depleted uranium.[/size]
[size=45]This situation raises widespread concerns about the high rates of cancer and birth defects in the region, in the absence of sufficient efforts to address this serious environmental problem.[/size]
[size=45]The head of the Health and Environment Committee in the Babylon Provincial Council, Hussein Al-Dahmushi, revealed, during an interview with (Al-Nada), that “dangerous radioactive activity was detected in the Al-Dulaab area at the end of 2023. He explained that the pollution was discovered by chance while a specialized radiation scanning wheel was passing through the area, as the measuring devices recorded abnormal levels of radioactivity in the soil.”[/size]
[size=45]Al-Dahmoshi pointed out that “the competent authorities, represented by the National Authority for the Control of Radiation, Biological and Chemical Materials, have begun procedures to treat the pollution using specialized techniques. So far, about 50-55% of the radioactive activity has been removed, but the process is still ongoing and needs more time due to the lack of specialized personnel and the reliance on transporting the contaminated soil in small bags.”[/size]
[size=45]Al-Dahmushi stressed that “the governorate requested a comprehensive radiation survey of Babylon Governorate according to a specific timetable and division of regions, to ensure that the governorate is completely free of any radioactive activity.”[/size]
[size=45]Effects of radioactive contamination on the environment and health
Al-Dahmoshi explained that “contamination was detected in agricultural soil close to water sources, which raises concerns about the long-term cumulative effects on the environment and population. These effects include cancerous diseases that may result from radioactive contamination.”[/size]
[size=45]He explained that “the families living in the affected areas have undergone medical examinations in Baghdad, and no direct health injuries have been recorded so far, but the potential damage to the environment and plant and animal life remains a source of great concern.”[/size]
[size=45]Calls to accelerate efforts
Al-Dahmushi called on the concerned authorities to “intensify efforts and accelerate the process of removing pollution, in addition to providing the necessary equipment and specialized personnel.”[/size]
[size=45]He also called for "implementing a comprehensive radiation survey program to identify the areas of contamination and declare Babylon Governorate free of radiation."[/size]
[size=45]Al-Dahmoshi concluded by stressing “the importance of developing a proactive plan to address any future damage, especially with the increasing complaints from other areas in the governorate about medical conditions suspected of being linked to radioactivity.”[/size]
[size=45]For his part, environmental specialist Ali Salim explained that “radioactive pollution in Babylon Governorate represents a major health and environmental risk, the effects of which may last for decades.”[/size]
[size=45]He stressed that “exposure to high levels of radiation increases the likelihood of cancer, birth defects, and a weakened immune system,” noting that the affected areas need comprehensive surveys and urgent measures to remove pollutants.[/size]
[size=45]He added that "the lack of community awareness about the dangers of pollution and the failure of the concerned authorities to take preventive measures exacerbate the crisis."[/size]
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