The programme examines effects on civilians

An investigation into the effects of weapons containing depleted uranium has uncovered contamination in urine samples from people in Kosovo and Bosnia.

The study - to be broadcast on BBC Scotland's Eorpa programme on Thursday - concludes it is likely that depleted uranium is present in the food chain.

The finding has been described as "interesting" by Defence Minister Dr Lewis Moonie.

But he stressed that the levels of depleted uranium posed no risk to public health.

There is continuing controversy about the possible health impact on both military personnel and the local population.

This is the first time that civilians in the region have been tested for contamination.

The study, carried out by Professor Nick Priest of Middlesex University, looked at people in three different locations - one in Bosnia and two in Kosovo.

"So far all the results for every single one of the samples collected in Kosovo is showing some depleted uranium in the urine," he said.

"That is completely abnormal, because normally you would expect no DU to be in the urine samples."

No evidence

His conclusion was that it was likely that the metal was present in the food chain.

The study did not investigate possible health problems.

Previous studies have found no evidence of a link, although a recent United Nations report acknowledged that there remain "considerable scientific uncertainties."

The programme also reveals that a proposed voluntary testing programme for Kosovan civilians has been shelved following the intervention of the World Health Organisation.

Teenager Vlora Marleku told the programme: "I am worried, I don't know what to say. This is something that touches you very deeply."

However, Dr Moonie said the DU levels posed no risk to health, and represented only a "tiny fraction" of naturally-occurring background uranium.

"It is a very interesting result and one that needs to be followed up," he said.

In February, the UK government defended its decision to go ahead with new tests of depleted uranium weapons at the Dundrennan military range near Kirkcudbright in Scotland.

Dr Moonie said then that people in the south-west of Scotland had been subjected to scare stories about the dangers posed by the shells.

The government is offering testing for those in the armed forces who are worried they may have been exposed to DU.

However, he stressed that the aim was to offer reassurance to the troops and address their concerns.

Eorpa will be shown on BBC2 Scotland on Thursday 12 April at 1930BST.