In the Daily Miror today: TOXIC GAS TESTED ON NORWICH: Biological war trial is 'linked to double normal cancer rate': Hundreds of lives may be at risk because of secret Cold War chemical trials carried out by the Ministry of Defence. RAF planes released clouds of zinc cadmium sulphide (ZCS) over Norwich in 1963 and 1964 to assess the effects of a biological attack. Now local MP Dr Ian Gibson is calling for an public inquiry into the tests by scientists from Porton Down, Wilts. It has been revealed Norwich has twice as many cases of cancer of the oesophagus--th organ at the back of the throat which tops the food tube to the stomach--as the national average. And thanks to data released under the Freedom of Information Act it is known that ZCS was dispersed over a 26-mile route which began in rural Norfolk and continued across Norwich to te coast. Former cancer researcher Dr Gibson said: "There can be no excuse fpr using the people of the city as guinae pigs. Norwich was apparently chosen for the tests because it is flat - making it easier to see how dust dispersed. ZCS, a fine powder, was used because its particles are similar in size to germs used in biological warfare and it is visible under ultra violet light. Dr Gibson added: It is simply outrageous that this chemical should hav been used in this way. If the MoD wanted to discover how chemicalswere carried on the wind they could have used talcum powder." Oesophageal cancer is often caused by smoking or heavy drinking butmany of the sufferes in Norwich were fund to be non-smoker teetolalers. Pamela Dunhain, 66, who lives under the flight path, contarcted cancer and had her oesophagus removed. She said: "We all knew something was up at the time, but when anyone asked questions about te cloud of smoke we were told it was harmless and nothing to worry about." The MoD said: "Approval for these trials was not publicised at the time to avoid public alarm. An independent review was carried out on all of Portland Down's open air trials using ZCS. "This independent study, which was placed in public libraries, concluded that there should not be any adverse effect on public health." http://www.mirror.co.uk what are your responses to this ......?
bwhahahaha, of course, there were absolutely no reasons for an alarm Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Why didn't they use talcum powder as Dr Gibson suggested? Did the people at the time think ZCS was as safe as talcum powder? If they were ignorant to its harm and were genuinley trying to prepare themselves for something much worse, then shouldn't we just accept the fact that 'shit happens', cough up cash (no pun intended) for those who were unfortunate enough to be victims of ignorance and carry on regardless? Should we stop experimenting because the net result is unknown? Of course not. As long as victims are adequately compensated we have to accept that this sort of stuff will happen when dealing with issues of defence and security. peace c20
Dear c20H25N30 Sorry I missed your thread posted in 2005 before I posted mine but if you search under Environment at the thread entitled 'Secret Germ Warfare tests using Cadmium over Norfolk' on this forum you might find some interesting reading. Best regards
