[Depleted uranium a cancer risk that disappeared. Leukemia alarm regarding Balkan veterans came to nothing]

After alarming reports in the international press in January 2001, about leukemia in war veterans returning from the Balkans after possible exposure to depleted uranium, a follow-up was conducted of the Swedish personnel that had served in the Balkans. Questionnaires, analysis of uranium in urine, and coordination with The National Board of Health and Welfare's cancer register showed no correlation between service in the Balkans and cancer or other illnesses. Several did however experience anxiety, insomnia and fatigue that may have been caused by the stressful environment and/or the anxiety arising from the depleted uranium-debate. To lower the risk for unjustified anxiety and to be better prepared for the physical environment, the Swedish Armed Forces are working on better risk analysis before mission as well as increased health examinations both before and after mission.