Environmental Exposure Report

Depleted Uranium in the Gulf

The Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses is reporting on what we know today about specific events that took place during the Gulf War of 1990 and 1991. This particular report focuses on the use of, and exposures to, depleted uranium (DU). This is an interim report, not a final report. We hope that you will read this and contact us with any information that would help us better understand the events reported here. With your help, we will be able to report more accurately on the events surrounding DU use and exposures. Please contact my office to report any new information by calling:

1-800-472-6719

Bernard Rostker
Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
Department of Defense

1998190-0000036

Last Update: July 31, 1998

Many veterans of the Gulf War have been experiencing a variety of physical symptoms, collectively called Gulf War illnesses. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense (DoD) established a task force in June 1995 to investigate all possible causes. The Investigation and Analysis Directorate (IAD) of the Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses (OSAGWI) assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996, and has continued to investigate depleted uranium. Its interim report is contained here.

As part of the effort to inform the public about the progress of this effort, DoD is publishing (on the Internet and elsewhere) accounts related to possible causes of illnesses among Gulf War veterans, along with whatever documentary evidence or personal testimony was used in compiling the accounts. The report that follows is such an account.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. OVERVIEW
II. DEPLETED URANIUM - A SHORT COURSE
A. Health Effects from the Chemical Toxicity of Depleted Uranium
1. Chemical Properties of DU
2. Chemical Effects
3. Chemical Toxicity Standards
4. Implications for the Military
B. Health Effects From the Radiological Toxicity of Depleted Uranium
1. Radiological Properties of DU
2. Radiological Effects
3. Radiological Protection Standard and Guidelines
4. Implications for the Military
III. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS FROM DU USE IN THE GULF THEATER, 1990-1991
A. Overview of Participants in Exposure Scenarios
B. Level I Exposures (Friendly Fire)
1. Soldiers in Vehicle On Impact
a. Summary of Activities
b. Hazard Identification
c. Assessment of Health Effects
2. Soldiers Entering Vehicles Immediately After Impact
a. Summary of Activities
b. Hazard Identification
c. Assessment of Health Effects
C. Level II Exposures
D. Level III Exposures
E. Other Activities Under Investigation But Not Yet Categorized
1. Welders
2. Reported Ammo Truck Explosion
3. Airmen Responding to A-10 Crash
4. "Hot Gun" Response for A-10 Aircraft
IV. FOLLOW-UP
A. Environmental Assessments
B. Developmental Testing and Evaluation of DU Munitions - Post Gulf War
C. DoD and VA Medical Surveillance Program for Gulf War Veterans
1. Identification and Notification of Gulf War Veterans with Potential DU Exposures
2. DoD and VA Medical Evaluation Program for Gulf War Veterans with Potential DU Exposures
D. Postwar Research
V. LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Improvments in Training and Awareness
B. Developing Medically and Operationally Appropriate Guidance
C. Timely, Effective Dissemination of Information
D. Responsive Support to Tactical Ground Units
E. Clear and Unambiguous Division of Responsibility
F. Collection and Reporting of Survey and Monitoring Results
G. Equipment
H. Medical
 
VI. CONCLUSION

TAB A - List of Acronyms/Glossary

TAB B - Units Involved

TAB C - Properties and Characteristics of DU

TAB D - Methodology

TAB E - Development of DU Munitions

TAB F - DU Use in the Gulf

TAB G - DU Exposures in the Gulf

TAB H - Friendly Fire Incident Descriptions

TAB I - The Camp Doha Explosion/Fires (July 1991)

TAB J - Accidental Tank Fires

TAB K - DU Notification and Medical Follow-up Program

TAB L - Research Report Summaries

TAB M - Characterizing DU Aerosols

TAB N - Summary of Health Estimates

TAB O - Guidance for Protecting Troops

TAB P - Bibliography

END NOTES


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