| The published scientific
articles on Depleted Uranium report no adverse health effects from
exposure to inhaled or ingested depleted uranium at levels found in
the Balkans.
WHAT IS DEPLETED URANIUM?
Depleted Uranium (DU) is a dense, slightly radioactive heavy metal
used by the United States and other countries in making ammunition,
armor and other materials. Because of its density and self- sharpening
qualities, DU is an excellent material for making armor and armor
piercing weapons.
WHERE IS DU FOUND?
Uranium is part of our natural environment. DU is a product of
the process that converts natural uranium into the enriched form
that is used for nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium
has 40% less radioactivity than natural uranium. The first time
DU munitions were used in combat was in Operation Desert Storm.
DU munitions were also used in the Balkans. In certain areas where
fighting took place, there may be DU fragments and particles in
the soil and dust on pieces of battlefield equipment that were hit
with DU munitions.
HOW DOES DU ENTER THE BODY?
The DU in the Balkans is from spent munitions. As you learned in
Depleted Uranium Awareness Training, DU can be inhaled, ingested
or even enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin. However,
if you exercise proper field sanitation techniques, you will be
protected. That is why you were taught to leave spent munitions
alone and to notify your chain of command. As long as you do not
handle these expended munitions, and wash your hands you greatly
reduce the possibility that DU can enter your body. Handling intact
ammunition is safe.
ARE THERE POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS FROM EXPOSURE TO DU IN THE
BALKANS?
Highly unlikely! Since most of the DU ammunition fired in the Balkans
is located well below the ground, your potential for exposure to
DU is extremely unlikely. Numerous studies of individuals who either
inhaled particles of DU or have DU fragments embedded in their
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wounds have shown no adverse health effects from their exposure.
Potential exposures to DU in the Balkans are much lower than those
noted in previous studies.
The possible health effects from extensive exposure of DU would
be the result of it being a heavy metal, similar to lead. The kidney
is the organ that is most often affected by heavy metals. Very high
doses of heavy metals damage the kidney tubules and can reduce kidney's
ability to filter blood. Although DU is slightly radioactive, there
is very little potential that its radioactivity will affect your
health.
If DU is inhaled, ingested or absorbed through a break in
the skin, very little of it ever reaches the kidney. It is normally
exhaled, excreted or washed away during wound cleaning.
IF DU MUNITIONS HAVE BEEN USED IN YOUR AREA, WHAT
CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
Although the potential that DU will affect your health is very
low, as an added measure of safety, you can further protect yourself
by simply practicing what you were taught in your Depleted Uranium
Awareness Training,
- As with all battlefield debris-do not touch or move the object.
This protects you not only from DU, but also from unexploded ordnance.
- Notify authorities of the location of any debris.
- Exercise standard field hygiene, to include washing your hands
and face.
- Remember, no additional protective measures are required for
handling unfired DU munitions other than those required for all
munitions.
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For more information please go to: chppm-www.apgea.army.mil
References:
1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Public
Health Service, 1990, on Toxicologic Profile for Uranium: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/phs9029.html
2. A Review of the Scientific Literature as it Pertains to Gulf
War Illnesses from "Depleted Uranium," Vol. 7, 15 April
1999: www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_index.htm
3. A Review of the Scientific and Medical Literature by the Institute
of Medicine (IOM) on Gulf War and Health, Vol. I, from "Depleted
Uranium," http://www.iom.edu/IOM/IOMHome.nsf/Pages/Gulf+War+and+Health
4. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Fact Sheet on Depleted
Uranium (DU),
http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact257.html and the WHO's Press
Release: http://www.who.int/inf-pr-2001/en/pr2001-22.html
5. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Focuses on Radiological
Safety, http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/Press/Focus/DU/du_main.shtml,
and the IAEA Press Release on DU and the Radiological Impact of
the Use of DU Ammunition: http://www.iaea.org/worldatom/Press/P_release/2001/prn0101.shtml
6. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Balkans Depleted Uranium Assessment: http://balkans.unep.ch/
7. The U.S. Office Pristina Kosovo: http://www.usofficepristina.usia.co.at/du.htm
8. GTA 3-4-1A, Depleted Uranium Awareness, 1 July 1999: http://www.wood.army.mil/cmttd/du.htm
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