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Dear Rep Ito,
I am dismayed that you have blocked the bill offering DU testing to our returning soldiers. How can you let our service people down like that? These are our 'opio - our sons and daughters.
I have a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California and studied nuclear engineering. The military is not telling you the truth. True - a lump of uranium is not terribly dangerous. But DU ignites at less than 400 degrees F, spreading toxic smoke and dust, that when inhaled causes radiological damage and heavy metal poisoning.
And it looks like they're not only using depleted uranium from the enrichment process but they are using spent fuel -- contaminated with plutonium, U236, etc. There is no possible natural way our soldiers could test positive for the man-made isotope, U236 otherwise.
At the very least, our young people should be given the information as to whether they are contaminated and whether their level is sufficient as to pose a danger if they decide to have children.
Please reconsider your position. Our soldiers deserve real support - not just lip service.
Karen Chun
87 Lae St.
Paia HI 96779
(808) 283-3049
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