Spatial and Temporal Variability of Environmental Radioactivity in Basra and Baghdad Cities, Iraq

Abstract

Introduction: This research focused on study of the spatial and temporal variability of environmental radioactivity and impact of the pollution on the human health in Basra and Baghdad cities, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Contamination is existence the contaminants in the natural environment, which is causing damage to it with a disturbance in the ecosystem. Contaminants are either foreign substances in the environment or natural substances but are exceeded the recommended levels. Pollution is not only associated with chemicals materials but also extends to various forms of energy, such as noise and thermal pollutions. Radioactive contamination is one of the most dangerous types of pollution on human’s health. It has the ability to enter the human body and other organisms without warning. It is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and deadly. It was found in the air, water, soil. Results: The food contaminations by the radioactivity result of using uranium munitions by the US military and its allies through the recent wars in Iraq (1991 to 2015). It was caused severe environmental and health disasters that led to cancer and increasing in the rate of birth defects. Conclusions: Ministry of Environment (MOE) in Iraq has shown that over 306 sites were contaminated by mercury-containing pesticides and heavy metals such as phenol, chlorine, and depleted uranium, because of abandoned weapons in some the areas in Iraq.