Study: No urine measure with a depleted isotopic signature has been detected in U.S. veterans without a history of retained DU embedded fragments.

NOTE from Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org ... As the depleted uranium (DU) debate continues, here is some interesting research paid for by the VA.

More information on DU is available here ...
http://www.yourvabenefits.org/sessearch.php?q=depleted&op=and

Below is the abstract of the study.  Complete data is available at the link below.

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Biological Monitoring for Depleted Uranium Exposure in U.S. Veterans

http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2009/0800413/0800413.html

Carrie D. Dorsey,1,2 Susan M. Engelhardt,2 Katherine S. Squibb,2,3 and Melissa A. McDiarmid1,2

1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; 2Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; 3Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Abstract

Background: As part of an ongoing medical surveillance program for U.S. veterans exposed to depleted uranium (DU) , biological monitoring of urine uranium (U) concentrations is offered to any veteran of the Gulf War and those serving in more recent conflicts (post-Gulf War veterans) .

Objectives: Since a previous report of surveillance findings in 2004, an improved methodology for determination of the isotopic ratio of U in urine (235U:238U) has been developed and allows for more definitive evaluation of DU exposure. This report updates previous findings.

Methods: Veterans provide a 24-hr urine specimen and complete a DU exposure questionnaire. Specimens are sent to the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center for processing. Uranium concentration and isotopic ratio are measured using ICP-MS at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Results: Between January 2003 and June 2008, we received 1,769 urine specimens for U analysis. The mean urine U measure was 0.009 µg U/g creatinine. Mean urine U concentrations for Gulf War and post-Gulf War veterans were 0.008 and 0.009 µg U/g creatinine, respectively. Only 3 of the 1,700 (0.01%) specimens for which we completed isotopic determination showed evidence of DU. Exposure histories confirmed that these three individuals had been involved in “friendly fire” incidents involving DU munitions or armored vehicles.

Conclusions: No urine U measure with a “depleted” isotopic signature has been detected in U.S. veterans without a history of retained DU embedded fragments from previous injury. These findings suggest that future DU-related health harm is unlikely in veterans without DU fragments.

We thank the Depleted Uranium Follow-up Program administrative staff and the Baltimore Veterans Administration Clinical Labs for their invaluable assistance.

This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The authors declare they have no competing financial interests.

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