Nato ministers meet today re depleted uranium health concerns
Nato ministers were meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss what to do about depleted uranium.
Italy and Portugal have already launched inquiries following a string of deaths among servicemen.
The talks came after the British government was accused of a U-turn in agreeing a voluntary screening programme for worried troops.
It will test whether those who served in the Balkans have been affected by radiation from ammunition-tipped with depleted uranium. However the Ministry of Defence is still insisting there was no need for such action.
Depleted uranium - a heavy metal with low levels of radioactivity - is used in ammunition to improve penetration of tanks and other armour. There is concern dust generated when the rounds impact may be harmful but studies have found no proof it causes disease.
Veterans have long believed it is linked to many illnesses - including some cancers.
Armed Forces Minister John Spellar told MPs we "must not be unduly alarmed, but we do recongnise there are concerns.". He added: "We take very seriously are responsibilities to are service personnel."
He said the voluntary screening programme would be run in conjunction with the UK Screening Committee and the Department of Health.
Mr Spellar added he hoped his statement gave the "necessary re-assurance" to civilians and troops who served in the Balkans and their families.
It has also been announced Irish troops who served in the Balkans are also to be screened for the effects of radiation from depleted uranium.
An army medical team is being sent to Kosovo and Bosnia this week to measure radiation levels where the troops are stationed and determine the type of screening programme necessary.
Though there was no cause for concern, the medical records of all Balkan veterans were meanwhile being checked.
Irish defence minister Michael Smith said: "I am not prepared to take any risk insofar as the health of our personnel is concerned.
"When the medical and ordnance team returns from Kosovo and Bosnia next week, the type and scope of the necessary screening programme for personnel who have served in the Balkans can be identified."
