Big rise in birth defects may be linked to war

Published on Saturday 14 November 2009 19:07

BIRTH defects in Falluja have increased to 15 times the normal rate, in a spike that may be linked to the Iraq War.

Early-life cancers have also risen, possibly in connection with toxic materials left over from battles. Detailed clinical records of all newborns are being compiled after the extraordinary rise was spotted.

Defects include a baby born with two heads and babies with multiple tumours or nervous system problems.

Neurologists and obstetricians in the city say the rise is unprecedented. Iraqi and British officials have petitioned the United Nations to ask for an independent investigation and for help to clean up toxic materials. It is understood some of that dates back to before president Saddam Hussein was ousted by allied forces in 2003.

Dr Ayman Qais, Falluja general hospital's director and senior specialist, said: "Before 2003, I was seeing sporadic numbers of deformities in babies. Now the frequency of deformities has increased dramatically."

From two admissions a fortnight a year ago, there are now two a day. He added: "Most are in the head and spinal cord, but there are also many deficiencies in lower limbs. There is also a marked increase in the number of cases of less than two years (old] with brain tumours."

During a three-week period, 37 babies with abnormalities were born at Falluja general hospital alone. Dr Bassam Allan, head of the children's ward, urged international experts to examine soil samples in the city.

He called on scientists to launch an investigation into potential causes of the medical problems, saying he believed most of the babies' ailments had been "acquired" by the mother before or during pregnancy.

Falluja was the site of the only two setpiece battles following the US-led invasion, in which the city suffered heavy bombardment.

Health officials are starting to focus on possible reasons such as potential chemical or radiation poisonings.

Abnormal clusters of infant tumours have also been seen in Basra and Najaf, where there have been intense battles. But doctors are reluctant to draw a direct link between the war and defects, saying there might be multiple factors.

Qais said: "These include air pollution, radiation, chemicals, drug use during pregnancy, malnutrition or the psychological status of the mother."