The Commission is fully conscious of the concerns which have been expressed in relation to the possible health effects of exposure to depleted uranium (DU).

In 2001, following the Balkan conflict, the Commission asked for an independent scientific opinion from the Group of Experts established according to Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty on potential health consequences after the use of DU ammunition. In this opinion⁽¹⁾ it is concluded that exposure to depleted uranium could not produce any detectable health effects. The Group of Experts also concluded that no protective measures should be considered other than straightforward general protective measures for easily avoidable exposures.

Until now, to the Commission's knowledge no new evidence that would change this opinion has emerged. The Commission is not aware of new findings on the health status of soldiers.

In any case, it is for national health services to provide information to, or to conduct health surveillance of the population.

The Commission holds the view that the use of DU in applications other than in a military conflict is subject to the requirements of the basic safety standards for the radiation protection of workers and members of the public⁽²⁾.

The use of DU in the context of a military conflict is not a matter within the competences of the Commission.

(1) http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/radioprotection/doc/art31/opinion_en.pdf (2) Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation, OJ L 159, 29.6.1996.