Uranium blamed for Gulf War Syndrome (BBC)

[rkathren@tricity.WSU.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

There is an enormous body of literature regarding the toxicity and
bioeffects of uranium in humans, and an even bigger body of literature
pertinent to animal studies.  Two of the best, both relatively recent, are
the ATSDR Toxicological Profile on Uranium, and the excellent book "Review
of Radiation Risks and Uranium Toxicity" by Allen Brodsky (RSA Publications
1996).  The US Army and VA have carried out a number of studies (perhaps
Col. Daxon, who is an expert in this regard, will comment) on DU, and JW
Collins presented an excel;lent paper on the topic at the HPS Midyear in
Albuquerque last month.  The bottom line is that depleted U is generally
considered to be a chemical toxin (on the order of Pb) rather than a
radiotoxin because of its low specific activity.  The so-called Gulf War
Syndrome has not been previously observed in other human populations or
individuals with either acute or chronic exposures to uranium; similarly I
believe that all studies to date, including a Congressional investigation,
have shown no correlation between depleted uranium and the so-called Gulf
War Syndrome.

Ronald L. Kathren, CHP, DEE
Professor and Director
United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries
Washington State University
2710 University Drive
Richland, WA 99352
509-375-5643
509-375-1817 (FAX)

USTUR URL:  www.ustur.WSU.edu

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