Tension continues over use of depleted uranium in Balkans.
The statements came as the British government denied leaked reports of the health risks of exposure to dust from these munitions. The local authorities and people concerned should be informed of the possible risks and precautionary measures. Concern over health risks of sites contaminated by depleted uranium were raised as a number of deaths of people working the region had died of leukemia and other cancers. Seven Italian soldiers and one aid worker, five Belgian peacekeepers, two Dutch nationals, two Spaniards, two Portuguese, and a Czech have died from cancer or related illnesses after tours of duty in the Balkans. Depleted uranium is used in the tips of anti-tank shells used by fighter planes.