Uranium is a naturally-occurring element that is one of the hardest and densest metals known. Because it is found everywhere on earth, we eat and breathe a small amount every day. People have been mining uranium and using it commercially for over 60 years, so there is a great deal of information available on this metal. The Toxicological Profile for Uranium contains a complete description of the metal, and its known health hazards.

Natural uranium becomes depleted uranium after most of a more radioactive isotope is removed for nuclear fuel production. DU is a heavy metal that is almost twice as dense as lead, having the same chemical properties as natural uranium, but 40 percent less radioactivity.

Here, you'll find information about DU for Service members and their families, other Federal agencies, and members of the public including:

• Fact sheets, brochures and clinical guidance
• Results of medical and scientific research projects and publications
• Reports from organizations and government agencies
• DOD policies and regulations