JAN 4, 2001, M2 Communications - The Finnish defence ministry has said that it is considering further investigations after reports about depleted uranium in the ammunition used during the Kosovo crisis.

It is reportedly possible that the Finnish defence forces also have ammunition that contains depleted uranium of the type that has been found in the Balkans. Reports claim that the ammunition, which is only mildly radioactive in its natural state, has caused leukemia in Belgian, Dutch and Italian soldiers. The danger comes once the ammunition has been used, as the uranium vaporises on contact, and it is thought that the dust resulting from the impact may be dangerous. Missiles purchased from the Soviet Union may contain depleted uranium.

Depleted uranium can also contain heavy metals that negatively affect the human body. Finnish investigators are to examine the missiles and Finnish KFOR troops who have spent more than a year in Kosovo will receive additional health check-ups.

Meanwhile Italy has asked NATO to clarify the use of weapons containing depleted uranium during missions in the former Yugoslavia after six Italian soldiers that were part of the peace-keeping force in the area died from cancer. According to the BBC, NATO has confirmed the use of weapons that contain depleted uranium in Kosovo and there is also evidence that such weapons were used in Bosnia. The substance is used for armour-piercing ammunition as it is heavier and denser than lead and it has been singled out as an effective weapon against tanks.

There have also been claims from Gulf War veterans that depleted uranium is the cause of ailments they suffer from, which have been given the collective name 'Gulf War Syndrome'.

Apart from Finland, Spain, Portugal and France are also looking into the issue of depleted uranium in weapons. There are also reports that several European governments have instructed troops not to eat local produce in the former Yugoslavia, and that even drinking water has been provided.

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