OVERVIEW OF THE ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF 
NATO BOMBING OF YUGOSLAVIA UNTIL MAY 20, 1999 

By Dr. Radoje Lausevic

Part IV. What can the consequences/health effects for people be?


Polluting substances endanger the population directly through several
mediums: air, water and food, but one should not neglect the indirect
influence stemming from the chemical transformation of pollutants
(which can result in the increase or in the reduction of their
toxicity), as well as from the fact that they tend to accumulate (most
often in geological formations or in the biosphere) (P. Polic, 1999)

Clouds of toxic gases released after above mentioned bombing of
combined petrochemicals and fertilizer factory and oil refinery in the
Belgrade suburbs (Pancevo) enveloped the suburb and many people were
injured by chemical inhalation (ENS, April 19).

A. VCM

Five minutes of exposure of humans to VCM in concentration of 6.000
ppm causes symptoms similar to light intoxication by alcohol; in
concentration of 16.000 ppm causes symptoms of vomiting, raving and
produces state of unconsciousness; higher concentration causes damage
of liver and kidneys. Prolonged exposure of humans and laboratory
animals to vinyl chloride vapor has been linked to several forms of
cancer. EXPOSURE TO VCM HAS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS!

B. Phosgene

Phosgene, created by combustion of VCM, first came into prominence
during World War I, when it was used, either alone or mixed with
chlorine, against troops. Inhalation causes severe lung injury, the
full effects appearing several hours after exposure.

C. EDC

EDC, released after bombing of VCM plant in Pancevo in the night of
April, 18th, is narcotic, while at longer exposures acts as poison.
Lower concentrations are heavily detected by the sense of smell, while
high concentrations cause irritation of eyes, nose and pharynx. EDC
causes damage effects to kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs, digestive and
nerve systems. It is well documented carcinogenic substance.
Intoxication by EDC causes mental confusion, vomiting, bloody
diarrhea, jaundice, etc. EDC is especially dangerous for children.

D. Chlorine

Chlorine, was released during the bombing of the petrochemical complex
in Pancevo. Its concentration of 1.000 ppm produces death after few
inhalations. Maximal allowed concentration in working environment is
0.5 ppm, while in urban environment only 0.064 ppm.

Chlorine gas, a poison, was the first gas used in chemical warfare in
World War I. It causes suffocation, constriction of the chest,
tightness in the throat, and edema of the lungs. As little as 2.5 mg
per liter (approximately 0.085 percent by volume) in the atmosphere
causes death in minutes, but less than 0.0001 percent by volume may be
tolerated for several hours. Its strong odor gives warning of its
presence at much lower concentrations than are dangerous.

E. HF

HF emission had happened during destruction of the production line of
Chemical plant "Prva Iskra" in Baric (19 April 1999). Gas masks
provide no protection against this highly toxic substance that
irritating to the mucous membranes and destroy nails and tooth.

Robert Hayden, Director of the Center for Russian and East European
Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, said: "NATO's bombing of the
petrochemical plant at Baric only a few miles from Belgrade risked the
life, health and safety of the civilian population of 2 million in the
city of Belgrade. The attack released clouds of poison gas over
Belgrade, and violated international humanitarian law." (IPA, April
21, 1999).

F. PCB's 

PCB's are well known cancer inducing compounds which were banned in
the world decades ago. Several tons of PCB's  have been released into
Danube river watershed (Istina, 1999). Unestimated release of PCB's
from several large transformer stations surely polluted soil and
water.

G. Depleted uranium

The uranium oxide from above described depleted uranium bullets when
inhaled donates "hot" particles of around 0.5 microns to the chest,
equivalent to 20 chest X-rays per hour. Nearly all the Cruise missiles
used so far contain DU warheads. The UK Sunday Times says 120 of these
have been fired so far, but other reports say much more have been
fired. DU is classed as a weapon of mass destruction and therefore
illegal according to the Geneva Convention. They could have
teratogenic effects for generations afterwards on combatants and
targets alike. Certainly they will damage US or NATO troops as well as
all others in Kosovo in any ground war, to judge from what happened
after their use in the Gulf War and in Bosnia (CRL, 1999). The use of
this ammunition is highly inhumane both for its instantaneous and for
its subsequent radio-active effect. The effects of its use against
troops and the civilian population are fatal since they cause wounds
followed by contamination which makes the use of this ammunition a
crime against humanity and international law (Yugoslav Foreign
Ministry, Aide Memoire, Belgrade, May 17, 1999). 

H. Acid Rains

Large quantities of released carbon-dioxyde, sulphure-dioxyde,
nitrogen oxydes, ammonia, ozone, etc. undoubtedly will cause
appearance of acide rains.

I. Food

The consequences of the chemical pollution of food is most easy to
control, therefore the danger to the population in this case is
greatly reduced, especially if we speak about final products. However,
agricultural products can be contaminated by polluted water,
atmosphere precipitation and by all the toxic substances mentioned
above (P. Polic, 1999).

Dr. Luka Radoja, agronomist, pointed out that NATO bombing is
happening in the phase of planting of many crops vital for the
survival of the population: corn, sunflower, soy, sugar beet and
vegetables. The planting of 2.5 million hectares of land is halted.
Also, the lack of fuel for agricultural machines will have
catastrophic results, because it leads to hunger of the entire
population (Knjizevne novine, 1999).


--
Ass. Prof. Dr. Radoje Lausevic
Serbian Ecological Society
Univ. Belgrade, Fac. Biol.
Inst. Bot. & Bot. Garden "Jevremovac"
Takovska 43, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Tel: +381 11 767-988
Fax: +381 11 769-903
rlausevi@EUnet.yu