Homes have no roofs, brick hotels gape hollow through broken windows, blown bridges threaten to launch the unwary driver into oblivion. The rounds used were also fired during the Gulf War by both the United States and Britain. Some veterans have complained the radioactivity is responsible for Gulf War illnesses. The Pentagon, however, says the depleted uranium is only as dangerous as any other heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, and is only marginally radioactive. Gen. Walter Jertz, a NATO spokesman, during a bombing press conference last year.
Critics say that dust can cause cancer or kidney damage.
Scalas said his troops are told not to touch destroyed armored vehicles or found rounds. Scalas said none was a victim of toxic uranium. He said any problems caused by the uranium will, unfortunately, more than likely be those of the local Kosovars. The Italian investigations are ongoing. The Italian environmental agency continues to fly in experts for periodic studies.