Depleted Uranium

Uranium (U) is a radioactive element found in small amounts throughout the natural environment. Natural uranium is a mixture of three different isotopes (238U, 235U and 234U), of which 238U has by far the highest concentration. Uranium is used primarily as fuel material in nuclear power plants. Most reactors require uranium in which the 235U content is enriched from its naturally occurring concentration. The uranium remaining after removal of the enriched fraction is referred to as depleted uranium (DU). DU is weakly radioactive and a radiation dose from it would be about 60% of that from purified natural uranium with the same mass. Mainly because of its very high density, it is used in armour penetrating military ordinance, and also in the manufacture of defensive armour plate. Military uses of DU have been reported in the Gulf and Balkan wars. Civilian applications apart from energy production include use as counterweight in airplanes and in radiation shielding.

WHO, together with other UN agencies, has been involved in the assessment of potential health effects of environmental DU in post-conflict areas and has developed comprehensive information material on DU. WHO is reviewing and updating this information as new knowledge emerges.

Further information:

Depleted Uranium: Sources, Exposure and Health Effects

An Executive Summary is availlable in the following languages:

Fact sheet : Depleted Uranium (DU)

WHO Guidance on Exposure to DU for medical doctors and programme administrators

Kosovo Mission