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. According to the Veterans Administration, depleted uranium is only dangerous when it is breathed as dust or enters the body as shrapnel. Gen. Walter Jertz, a NATO spokesman, during a bombing press conference last year. But though the solid shells are of little concern, those that find their marks explode into a toxic cloud.
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. His troops had to empty an office building in Pec that was used to store trash. Really like a dump. During one cleanup, his troops hauled away 70 truckloads of trash. Scalas said none was a victim of toxic uranium.