Did you know that sometimes, things that happened before you were born can still affect people today? In the Balkans, a region in Europe, kids and adults are facing health problems because of something called depleted uranium used during a war 26 years ago.
Back in 1999, during a conflict in an area called former Yugoslavia, special weapons containing depleted uranium were used. Depleted uranium is a heavy metal that can be harmful to humans. Imagine a really heavy rock that is a bit radioactive!
Lazar was just 3 years old back then. Now he’s 29 and fighting cancer. 😔 Miodrag, who is 62, found out he had a type of cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma seven years ago. They believe that their illnesses are connected to the depleted uranium used in their hometowns.
Studies have shown that there are more people getting sick with cancer in the areas where these weapons were used. Many families worry about their health and the health of their children.
It’s important to learn from these stories so that we can make the world a safer place. Listening to people like Lazar and Miodrag helps us understand the long-lasting effects of war and why peace is so important.
What can we do? Sharing their stories raises awareness. Maybe one day, we can help prevent things like this from happening again! 🌍✌️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
