BRUSSELS (Reuters) - An experts' report submitted to the European Commission on Tuesday concluded that there is no evidence that exposure to radiation from depleted uraniumcan harm human health.
The study was ordered in January as European Union states faced a media furore over fears that the substance, used to harden armour-piercing ammunition, was to blame for leukaemia afflicting soldiers who served in Bosnia and Kosovo.
The European Parliament called for a moratorium on the ammunition--in service with NATO allies the United States, France and Britain--and Commission President Roman Prodi said he thought it should be banned.
``The experts have concluded that radiological exposure to depleted uranium could not result in a detectable effect on human health,'' a Commission statement said.
``Although the possibility of a combined effect of exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals and to radiation could not be excluded, the experts concluded there was no evidence to support this hypothesis.''
Tuesday's report was the latest official ``all-clear'' for depleted uranium munitions. A committee of 50 countries set up by NATO at about the same time as the Commission ordered its study concluded that there was no evidence to support claims of a link between DU munitions and cancer.
NATO, which was loudly accused in some media of covering up a deliberate war crime, was likely to welcome the EU report, although the controversy subsided some weeks ago.
European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom said the findings would be studied and taken into account in examining the need for further action to protect health and the environment in the Balkans.
A further statement could be expected in a few weeks and would take account of other reports on DU due to be published in the interim, notably by the United Nations Environment Programme.
