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Testing for
Depleted Uranium Exposure
In 1997, the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense became aware that a number of service members beyond those first identified by DoD in 1993-1994 were also potentially exposed to DU. DoD's Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses (OSAGWI) was tasked with investigating and locating a number of veterans potentially exposed to DU beyond the original participants in the program.
Unfortunately, most with potential or known exposures were not located and remain unaware they may have been exposed. Three CBO studies in the 1990s found the DoD wasn't providing the required pre-deployment DU safety training, and most haven't a clue that DU is a potential health risk to them and their offspring. The VA test for DU can't discriminate between very low levels of background uranium radiation and DU, so it may produce false negative test results giving rise to a false conclusion that "DU is safe."
Whether by incompetence or a conscious decision to ignore regulations, the DoD/VA continue to avoid pre-deployment safety training, and choose to extrapolate marginal testing data to all who may have been exposed when they tell us DU is safe. It seems our government prefers to protect its stated authority to use DU munitions rather than to protect the health and safety of those exposed.
DU is a highly regulated radioactive substance that can cause cancer and birth defects when it enters the body. It is a heavy metal that has the same health consequences as lead poisoning when retained in the body.
Some exposures, such as being in or within 50m of equipment struck by DU; first responders and clean-up crews require testing, but most aren't tested. Tens of thousands of soldiers were potentially exposed simply by breathing contaminated smoke or dust, or being in duty areas where DU was used. Anyone potentially exposed who asks the VA to test them must be tested, but most don't know to ask. Begin by self-reporting to any VA clinic for screening, if you wish to be tested by the VA.
An alternative and superior test is available in the UK, but costs around $800. If interested, contact Dr. Randall Parrish, professor of isotope geology at Leicester University. This test can detect DU (and other isotopes of uranium) in urine 10 years after exposure. The VA wants their test within 180 days of exposure.
Regardless of where you test, it is important to get tested if you are concerned about potential internal exposure. First, you deserve to know if you were exposed to toxic agents during your service. Second, because it may take years for some diseases to present, it is important to document your test status now so you may be eligible for future benefits if and when DU has been clearly defined as causing duty-related health issues.
For more VA testing information, click on the following link to access this PDF document: Department of Veteran Affairs Evaluation Protocol for Veterans with Potential Exposure to Depleted Uranium (DU).
Remember, they told us Agent Orange was safe, and now dioxin is globally banned, and eligible exposures are treated and compensated. The same may well happen for Depleted Uranium. Consider self-reporting, especially if you have an ill-defined condition since redeployment.
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