UK uranium warning fuels debate

KFOR troops measure radiation levels in Klina, western Kosovo

LONDON, England -- A leaked British Defence Ministry report warning of the risk of cancer from depleted uranium has added fuel to the international debate.

The 1997 report said soldiers carrying out salvage work inside vehicles that had been damaged by depleted uranium (DU) shells faced up to eight times the acceptable level of exposure and could be at risk of developing lung, lymph and brain cancers.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Thursday the existence of the report but said it was written by a "trainee" and never officially endorsed by senior staff.

The latest developments come one day after NATO agreed to set up a committee to examine any risks to troops who served in the Balkans after a number of Italian soldiers died from leukaemia.

The report was prepared by the Headquarters of the Army's Quartermaster-General as an internal document for military officials.

REFERENCE Balkans Syndrome   •  Uranium facts   •  Search for truth   •  Depleted uranium effects   •  Q&A: NATO fears   •  Cause for doubt   •  Cancer, leukaemia reports   •  What they say   •  In-depth: Kosovo   •  News search

"Certain elements are scientifically incorrect or misleading," Ministry of Defence spokesman Paul Sykes told CNN.com.

He said: "We have always known there are potential hazards with DU." But he added that the health risks were minimal and would require a soldier "holding a piece of shrapnel for hundreds of hours before UK safety levels are broken."

Despite MoD assurances, the latest development still threaten to inflame fears already sweeping across Europe that soldiers' lives were put at risk in Bosnia and Kosovo, as well as in the Gulf War.

According to published excerpts of the leaked report, the army warned that the risk of exposure to the "hazardous" uranium dust "must be reduced."

"Inhalation of insoluble uranium dioxide dust will lead to accumulation in the lungs with very slow clearance -- if any," the document said. "Although the chemical toxicity is low, there may be localised radiation damage of the lung leading to cancer."

The British government has reiterated its position that medical evidence has so far failed to prove any link between the heavy metal, favoured because of its ability to penetrate armour, and soldiers being diagnosed with.

VIDEO Robertson says NATO will assist investigations of effects of depleted-uranium ammunition on troops. Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

But on Tuesday, Britain bowed to pressure and said it would offer screening to veterans of the Kosovo and Bosnian wars for signs of illness.

The screening will not be offered to Gulf War veterans. Similar weapons were used there and many who fought in the 1991 war against Iraq complain of serious illness.

Chairman of the National Gulf War Veterans and Families Association Shaun Rusling said his members had lost any faith in the government.

"They are now trying to rubbish their own medical documents and safety procedures," he said. "There should be a public inquiry. We have got 521 Gulf War veterans who have died since April 1991. Many of them have died of cancers."

Last month, Italy began studying the illnesses of 30 Balkans veterans, seven of whom died of cancer, including five cases of leukaemia.

In France, four soldiers are being treated for leukaemia. Several European countries have begun screening soldiers who served as peacekeepers in the Balkans. Many civilian aid agencies are doing the same.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.

NATO to investigate uranium threat
January 10, 2001
Russia accuses West over uranium
January 10, 2001
Pressure mounts over 'Balkan Syndrome'
January 9, 2001
Caution urged over 'Balkans syndrome'
January 8, 2001
UK urged to probe 'Balkans syndrome'
January 7, 2001
Conflicting research on radiation in Kosovo
January 6, 2001
NATO arms illness claims denied
January 4, 2001
Radiation tests for NATO troops
January 4, 2001

NATO
Gulf War Illnesses
United Nations Environment Programme
Jane's Defence
Ministry of Defence

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