Birth Defects May Be Linked To Use Of Chemical Weapons
09/08/2010
Lawyers at law firm Irwin Mitchell are investigating allegations that reports of an increase in birth defects in Fallujah, Iraq, may be linked to the use of chemical weapons by British forces.
In 2004 British forces were involved in an American led offensive on Fallujah. Since the attack there have been reports of a rise in the number of birth defects in the area, including defects of the heart and nervous system and arm and leg deformities.
A number of families in the area believe that water supplies became contaminated when rubble was bulldozed into the river following the attack. Many families also believe that chemical weapons were used which also contributed to the increase in birth defects.
Investigations by the media have suggested that the weapons used in the attack contained white phosphorus which is banned as an incendiary weapon against civilian populations or in air attacks against enemy forces and civilian areas.
The UK signed the Protocol banning the use of white phosphorus and has confirmed that the substance was used in the area but only as a smokescreen.
If you have been affected by this incident or you have any information that may help with our investigation, we would like to hear from you. If you or your family have suffered any personal injury you may be able to claim compensation.
Contact our specialist international lawyers on 0800 056 4110 or contact us using our online enquiry form.
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