[NukeNet] Illinois governor signs law to educate veterans about DU risks and launch health effects study

[Wes Rehberg]

Forwarded release sent by Doug Rokke
--Wes Rehberg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2007

Gov. Blagojevich signs law to help educate veterans and National Guardsmen
about potential risks of exposure to depleted uranium while serving overseas
SB 597 creates task force to study effects of hazardous materials found in
combat during Persian Gulf War, OEF, and OIF
 

 SPRINGFIELD ­ Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that
will help educate veterans and Illinois National Guardsmen about the
possible risks of exposure to toxic materials, particularly depleted
uranium, while serving overseas.  Senate Bill 597, sponsored by State
Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia
(D-Aurora), will assist Persian Gulf veterans and National Guardsmen in
finding information on available treatment for exposure to depleted uranium
and will establish a task force within the Illinois Department of Veterans¹
Affairs (IDVA) to study the health effects of exposure to hazardous
materials.
 
³Our service men and women put their lives on the line to protect our
freedom and while bravely doing so, have put themselves at risk of being
exposed to dangerous and toxic materials,² Gov. Blagojevich said.  ³This new
law will give our veterans and guardsmen the necessary information on
services and resources that are available to them about exposure to depleted
uranium and will immediately help those who are already affected by the
toxins.  We owe it to our service men and women to ensure that when they
come home to Illinois, they are able to live healthy lives and we will
continue to do everything we can to make sure this happens.²
 
Because of its high density, depleted uranium has been and is used by the
military as defensive armor, ammunition, and projectiles in combat.  When
heated at high temperatures it ignites emitting smoke containing small
particles of uranium oxides that can be easily inhaled and become lodged
deep in the lungs remaining for decades.  The effects of exposure to
depleted uranium can range from headaches and blurred vision to serious
kidney and lung damage.
 
SB 597 creates the National Guard Veterans Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Act.  The Illinois Department of Veterans¹ Affairs will assist veterans and
members of the Illinois National Guard who may have been exposed to depleted
uranium while serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Persian Gulf in finding
information on federal treatment services, including health screening tests
for exposure to depleted uranium.
 
³The men and women serving in our armed forces enlisted to defend our
country.  While fighting overseas they have been placed into harm¹s way and
they serve there selflessly,² said Sen. Harmon.  ³In turn, we must do what
we can to ensure that they have access to the information, treatments and
screenings that will keep them safe and healthy once they come home to their
loved ones.²
 
SB 597 also establishes a task force within IDVA to study the health risks
of exposure to hazardous materials, including depleted uranium. The task
force will consist of a representative from the Adjutant General¹s office,
IDVA, and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), eight members of the
General Assembly, two veterans with knowledge of hazardous materials
exposure, and four physicians or scientists with knowledge of the health
effects of hazardous materials exposure.  Appointments to the task force
will be made within 30 days and the task force¹s first meeting will be held
within the next 60 days.
 
³When serving their country, our brave men and women serving in the military
face countless dangers, and one of those lasting dangers is exposure to
hazardous materials,² said Rep. Chapa LaVia.  ³I am happy the Governor is
signing this law, which will ensure that veterans know where they can
receive screenings and any necessary treatments for exposure to hazardous
materials like uranium.²
 
The task force will consider creating a health registry for returning
veterans exposed to hazardous materials; develop ideas for an outreach plan
to inform veterans and military personnel about available resources; prepare
a report for service members on hazardous materials exposure and precautions
while in combat; and recommend any other appropriate action.
 
SB 597 goes into effect immediately.
 

-- 

Wes Rehberg, Ph.D.
 http://www.wildclearing.com
 http://www.nonviolentways.org
 
 http://du-blog.wildclearing.com


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