Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process used in nuclear power plants and weapons production. It is a dense, heavy metal with unique properties that make it useful in military applications, such as armour-piercing ammunition and armour plating. DU has been used in medical and industrial applications for decades but since its use in military conflicts over the past few decades public concern been raised about potential health consequences from exposure to DU. Concerns have been particularly voiced regarding military personnel, humanitarian workers and local populations living and working in areas contaminated by DU following conflict. In response to these concerns, the scientific evidence on sources, exposure and health effects of DU was summarized in a WHO report in 2001, following research on the health consequences to veterans of Gulf and Balkan military conflicts. The WHO Regional Office for Europe also conducted a fact-finding mission to Kosovo and published a report in 2001.

More recently, the UNSCEAR’s 2018 Report (Annex D) addressed the effects of Uranium and its isotopes, including depleted uranium. Based on the available evidence and the limitations identified in the scientific robustness of the studies that were reviewed, it was concluded that there was no convincing evidence of an association between exposure to DU and clinical outcomes, including any type of cancer and congenital malformations.

The United Nations General Assembly (UN GA) has also addressed the issue, first in 2007 when it issued Resolution N62/30 on Effects of the use of armaments and ammunitions containing depleted uranium. It invited member states and relevant international organizations to report on their views on the effects of the use of DU containing armaments and ammunitions. Since then, the UN Secretary General’s office has been regularly reporting to the General Assembly, the latest being the 2022 UN GA Resolution N77/49.