Fact sheet No 257: Depleted Uranium - January 2001 (WHO, 2001, 5 p.): Recommendations

Fact sheet No 257: Depleted Uranium - January 2001 (WHO, 2001, 5 p.)

		(introduction...)
		Uranium and Depleted Uranium
		Uses of Depleted Uranium
		Concerns Raised by the Use of Depleted Uranium
		Depleted Uranium and Human Health
		Types of Exposure
		Absorption of Uranium into the Body
		Health Risks
		Could DU Cause Leukaemia Among Military Personnel?
		DU in the Environment
		Standards
		WHO Activities
		Research Needs
		Recommendations

Recommendations

· There are many gaps in knowledge about DU that need further research. A coordinated effort is needed to obtain valid information through high quality research so that better health risk assessments can be made and more precise recommendations can be provided on the need to clean up after conflicts.

· Given the remaining uncertainties about the effects of DU, it seems reasonable to undertake clean-up operations in impact zones where there are substantial numbers of radioactive particles remaining. If there are very high concentrations of DU, then areas may need to be cordoned off until the particles are removed. This is especially the case where children are likely to be present.

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