Nearly a hundred Raf troops guarding a water treatment plant in Iraq in 2003 were unknowingly exposed to carcinogenic sodium dichromate, resulting in severe health issues

In 2003, nearly 100 British Royal Air Force (RAF) troops were deployed to guard the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant in Iraq, unaware of the lurking danger. The site was contaminated with sodium dichromate, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical. Two decades later, the exposed veterans are battling severe health problems, including cancer, daily nosebleeds, and other life-altering conditions.

The Discovery of Toxic Exposure

The veterans stationed at Qarmat Ali, initially oblivious to the hazardous environment, began experiencing a range of alarming symptoms, such as rashes and nosebleeds. Their conditions remained a mystery until workers donning hazmat suits and respirators arrived to put up warning signs about the chemical hazard. By then, the troops had already been exposed to the deadly powder for months.

The Deadly Chemical

Sodium dichromate, used at Qarmat Ali for corrosion prevention, is a type of hexavalent chromium. This group of compounds gained notoriety through the Erin Brockovich story, where water contamination in a California town led to widespread health issues. The veterans describe the site as being littered with bags of orange powder, with some torn open and the contents dispersed by the wind.

Impact on Health

The veterans now suffer from a variety of health issues. Andy Tosh, a former RAF sergeant, has been treated for skin cancer and exhibits red marks on his hands. Others report daily nosebleeds, brain tumours, and a range of cancers. They feel betrayed by the UK government’s lack of support and answers regarding their exposure and subsequent health decline.

Seeking Accountability

Despite the grave implications of their exposure, the veterans face silence from the government. They demand a public inquiry into the incident, accountability, and ongoing medical support for all affected. The Ministry of Defence has responded by stating that environmental surveys conducted at the time showed levels of sodium dichromate significantly below UK government guidance levels. However, the veterans’ experiences and health issues tell a different story.

The Bigger Picture

The ordeal of the British troops at Qarmat Ali underscores the unforeseen risks military personnel face in conflict zones, especially when deployed without adequate information on environmental hazards. It also highlights the long-term consequences of such exposures, not only on the individuals directly affected but also on the broader veteran community seeking recognition and redress for their suffering.

The veterans’ fight for acknowledgement and justice continues as they seek to ensure future generations of military personnel are protected from similar fates. Their story is a sobering reminder of the hidden costs of war and the need for vigilance in safeguarding those who serve.