Authors: Matthew D. Sztajnkrycer¹; Edward J. Otten²

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 169, Number 3, March 2004 , pp. 212-216(5)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

A by-product of the uranium enrichment process, depleted uranium (DU) contains approximately 40% of the radioactivity of natural uranium yet retains all of its chemical properties. After its use in the 1991 Gulf War, public concern increased regarding its potential radiotoxicant properties. Whereas in vitro and rodent data have suggested the potential for uranium-induced carcinogenesis, human cohort studies assessing the health effects of natural and DU have failed to validate these findings. Heavy-metal nephrotoxicity has not been noted in either animal studies or Gulf War veteran cohort studies despite markedly elevated urinary uranium excretion. No significant residual environmental contamination has been found in geographical areas exposed to DU. As such, although continued surveillance of exposed cohorts and environments (particularly water sources) are recommended, current data would support the position that DU poses neither a radiological nor chemical threat.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905. 2: Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229.

Publication date: 2004-03-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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