Depleted Uranium

9. Conclusion

SCHER agrees with the conclusion of the United Nations Environment Programme, International Atomic Energy Agency and others that environmental and human health risks due to a potential widespread distribution of DU are not expected. Exposure to DU is very limited compared to background exposures to natural uranium.

Higher exposures to DU dust may occur when entering vehicles hit by DU ammunition shortly after the hit, and in combat when close to a tank hit by DU ammunition. Vehicles hit by DU should be made inaccessible to civilians and be disposed of properly. Used DU ammunition should also be collected and properly disposed of.