A survey by the Army's Ordnance Corps found only normal radiation levels in areas of Kosovo where Irish troops are on peacekeeping duty.

There are also no plans for further examination despite the growing controversy following the deaths of six Italian soldiers who served during the NATO campaign two years ago.

The six servicemen reportedly died from leukaemia and the Italians have asked NATO to investigate claims that the soldiers were killed by exposure to munitions. France yesterday reported four of its soldiers had developed leukaemia after serving in Kosovo.

Seven EU states are now seeking information about the use of depleted uranium-tipped antitank shells fired by US aircraft: Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Finland.

The shells were fired by the A10 Thunderbolt, also known as the "tank-buster". The tips of the shells are made of the "heavy" metal depleted uranium (DU) to penetrate armour plating on tanks.

Last year, media reports began referring to a possible "Kosovo Syndrome" similar to the reputed "Gulf War Syndrome" in which troops suffered mystery illnesses.

In September, the Defence Forces sent a commandant from the Ordnance Corps to the southeast of Kosovo to carry out tests in the area of operations of the Irish Transport Unit. More than 200 troops have served so far in Kosovo and another unit of just over 100 in strength is on its way out.

The officer tested the Irish camp, outside Pristina, and vehicles and found no abnormal levels of alpha radiation, the type emitted by depleted uranium.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces said: "The report concluded that the radioactive risk in the area occupied by the Irish contingent was negligible."

He said the risk to Irish troops, if any, would arise from drinking local water or consuming local vegetables or fruit from the areas where the usage of DU was highest.

These areas are mainly in southwest Kosovo. Irish troops have been made aware of these locations and advised not to consume any food or water from them. The spokesman added: "We are continuing to gather and monitor information from both UN and NATO regarding actual and potential hazards from DU in the KFOR area of operations."

The US government's position on the weapons is that they do not pose a health threat after use. The Pentagon says depleted uranium is 40 per cent less radioactive than normal soil or rock.