The military union ACOM has demanded an explanation from the Ministry of Defence over jamming devices which prevent roadside bombs from being detonated by remote control.

The jamming devices, officially known as Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare or CREW, disrupt radio waves. However, the radiation from the jammers is believed to cause severe headaches and nausea among soldiers.

The union has received complaints from seven soldiers based in the Afghan province of Uruzgan this summer.

Free daily newspaper De Pers reports that none of the soldiers who complained had been informed about potential health risks posed by CREW devices. Only personnel who are directly involved with clearing explosives are informed about the dangers of working close to the antennas.

Heavy toll
At least half of the casualties among foreign troops in Afghanistan are caused by roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Out of the 21 Dutch soldiers who have been killed in Uruzgan, eight were killed by IEDs. Their use has increased as the Taliban avoid fighting at close range. Consequently more and more CREW devices are being used.

In Belgium, the Defence Ministry had received ten complaints by August. A spokesperson for the ministry says, "the devices, which were on loan from the US army, are no longer in use." US troops are known to line their anti-shrapnel vests with aluminium foil.

"No reason to investigate"
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence says technology institute TNO tested the devices before they came into use. Their research suggests that the radiation they emit is within the norms. The Ministry denies receiving any complaints from soldiers and does not see any reason to investigate the matter further.

Labour Party MP Angelien Eijsink wants the complaints to be taken seriously, "Experience has taught us in the past that we should not neglect something like this."

Conservative VVD MP Arend Jan Boekstijn has called for an inquiry because, "the health of soldiers is very important to us.

Photo: RNW/Hans de Vreij