The MOD said that the depleted-uranium ammunition fired at ranges in northern England and Scotland since 1990 did not pose a significant health risk.
Concern has been mounting after it was revealed the deaths of six Italian soldiers who served in NATO operations in former Yugoslavia may have possible links to the use of depleted uranium. Bruce George, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, warned: "If it is shown that depleted uranium causes an increase in cancers, then we have got to look at alternative weapon systems and at precautions which could be taken to protect our troops, as well as at how we can clean up the areas where the shells were used."
In a preliminary report, United Nations scientists who visited 11 areas struck by NATO munitions in Kosovo have found signs of radioactivity at eight of the sites. They have yet to determine whether there were any health or environmental risks. Italy, Portugal, Poland and Spain have all begun tests on troops who had served, or are still serving, in the region. So far, there is no conclusive link between the uranium and sick soldiers.
An MOD spokeswoman said use of the weapons at ranges at Eskmeals, north England, and Solway Firth in Scotland has been monitored by health officials, who found no evidence of risk to troops, civilians or wildlife.
A spokeswoman said: "These firings are conducted as lawful activities and all international and national legal obligations are fulfilled. "They are carried out under the Ionising Radiation Regulations enforced by the HSE, who have had a monitoring programme and have published results which continue to show that the firings do not pose a significant risk to marine life, service personnel or civilians."
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Menzies Campbell urged the MOD to investigate thoroughly any new findings about so-called 'Balkans syndrome'. "The use of depleted uranium shells has long been controversial and we owe it to the men and women of our armed forces to take every precaution for their protection," Campbell said. "Nor can we shirk our moral and legal responsibility not to use a weapon which may have devastating consequences for civilians long after the conflict has ended."
"These UN findings do not surprise me. This is what we are trying to get
over to the Government" - former British soldier Kevin Rudland, who
served in Bosnia
The Government is facing growing pressure to screen soldiers
who served in the Balkans for cancer despite assurances by the Ministry
of Defence that soldiers' health has not been in danger.
Concern has been mounting after a UN probe found radiation at eight
sites in Kosovo hit by Nato ammunition and the revelation that the
deaths of six Italian soldiers may have been linked to exposure to
radioactive material while serving in the Balkans.
The UN Environment Programme, based in Geneva, said that its preliminary
findings called for precautions to be taken when dealing with ammunition
containing depleted uranium.
The European Union has also launched an urgent inquiry into what some
have called 'Balkan' syndrome.
But the Ministry of Defence, which has known about the risks of depleted
uranium weapons at least since the Gulf War 10 years ago, has insisted
the risks were minimal to personnel.
A spokesman said Defence Minister John Spellar had told the Commons in a
written answer last November, that the ministry was aware early in the
1990-1 conflict that oxide dust from the weapons did pose a limited health risk.
However, the MoD spokesman said Mr Spellar had admitted that tank crews
and other personnel had apparently not been issued with such advice,
when other units were.
Analysis of depleted uranium samples collected in Kosovo to determine if
there is any health or environmental risk was continuing, the UN said.
Exposure to the uranium has led to the emergence of a "Balkan War
syndrome", some servicemen claim.
Former British Army engineer Kevin Rudland has said his medical
condition and the deaths of six Italian soldiers may be linked to the
use of depleted uranium in cannon shells fired during the air strikes of 1999.
Mr Rudland, 41, from Hull, served in the Territorial Army for 18 years
and in the regular Army in Bosnia for just six months before returning home.
Within a few months of his coming back in April 1999 the married
father-of-three's hair fell out, he began to suffer from post-traumatic
stress disorder, his teeth started to rot and he suffered from
osteoarthritis.
His symptoms have not improved since then and he now sees a psychiatrist
for psychological problems caused by his illness, which he said had made
him "unemployable".
Mr Rudland said: "These UN findings do not surprise me. This is what we
are trying to get over to the Government.
"They should screen British soldiers to find out if they were
contaminated, so it can be sorted out, if they were.
"Civilian doctors don't know the symptoms we are suffering from - they
don't recognise them."
A UNEP field mission in November visited 11 of the 112 sites identified
by Nato as having been targeted by ordnance containing depleted uranium
during the aerial bombardment of Kosovo.
It collected soil, water and vegetation samples and also conducted tests
on buildings and destroyed vehicles.
"At eight sites, the team found either slightly higher amounts of
Beta-radiation immediately at or around the holes left by depleted
uranium ammunition, or pieces and remnants of ammunition, such as sabots
and penetrators," Pekka Haavisto, the chairman of the assessment team, said.
"It was surprising to find remnants of depleted uranium ammunition just
lying on the ground, one-and-a-half years after the conflict."
Samples taken from on the ground are being analysed in Britain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
UNEP said it expected to have the results in early March.
Cancer fears for British soldiers
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