Depleted Uranium
First deployed on a large scale during the Gulf War, the U.S. military uses depleted uranium (DU) for tank armor and projectiles due to its high density, helping it to penetrate enemy armored vehicles.
Uranium is a naturally occurring element that is present in air, water, soil, rocks, plants, and animals. It is a weakly radioactive substance. DU is a by-product of uranium processing. DU is what remains after some of the more radioactive components (called isotopes) are removed from natural uranium for use in nuclear fuel. Therefore, DU is 40% less radioactive than natural uranium but has the same chemical properties.
The Metal Exposures & Depleted Uranium (MEDU) Surveillance Center
The Metal Exposures and Depleted Uranium (MEDU) Surveillance Center is located at the Baltimore VA Medical Center.
The Center has two missions related to DU:
- To provide screening, testing, and follow-up for 1991 Gulf War Veterans exposed to DU through ‘friendly fire’ incidents, and
- To offer DU screening and testing to any Veteran worried about DU exposure.
