Birth defects rife in Fallujah city

Health officials in the Iraqi city of Fallujah are warning women not tohave any more children after an alarming rise in birth defects, which some blame on US military toxins.

Health officials in the Iraqi city of Fallujah are warning women not to have any more children after seeing an alarming rise in birth defects, the BBC reports.

A government study shows high levels of dioxins and radiation in more than 40 sites across Iraq. One of them is Fallujah, a city west of Baghdad. In 2004 it was the scene of fierce fighting between militants, and the US Army.

Warning: Some people may find some of the images in this video report distressing.

More than half of all homes, schools and mosques were destroyed. At least 200,000 people were made homeless.