Depleted Uranium in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment

The question on environmental and health impacts originating from the use of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition has, following several conflicts, become a much debated issue. Since there has been very little scientific fieldwork with proper measurements as well as laboratory work outside of the military community, until recently it has been difficult to come to any significant conclusions. This is UNEP’s third DU assessment focusing on the use of depleted uranium air attacks against armoured vehicles, tanks and artillery positions in 1994 and 1995. The main objective was to examine the possible risks from any remaining DU contamination of ground, water, air and biota, as well as from solid pieces of DU still in the environment, and on that basis recommend any justified countermeasures. The assessment also aims to gain an overview on the storage of radioactive waste and sources, as well as radioactive waste management within Bosnia and Herzegovina.