Used for the first time in the Persian Gulf War, depleted uranium (DU) munitions have generated considerable controversy within the military and scientific communities. Various activist groups purport that this substance is both slightly radioactive and highly toxic; the United States military has denied these claims, stating that the health risks of DU are minimal. While a number of independent studies have been conducted to investigate possible complications resulting from DU exposure, all have concluded that these weapons do not pose a significant health risk to allied soldiers or civilians.. However, outcry from oversight organizations--both in the United States and abroad--has not waned. The conflicts across Eastern Europe during the 1990's and the current Iraq war have served to increase public demands for accountability. Organizations from a wide range of countries seek an international ban on DU weaponry, though opposition to these munitions from some officials in the...