I did the math for the DU expenditure there with a lot of MSDS info and dispersion conceptualization and it (DU) would definitely not be a primary cause of any large scale medical issue. From a radiological standpoint it’s hardly worse than lead since it’s been depleted of the good stuff. Hardly better from a heavy metal standpoint, finely divided tungsten is probably worse (and is what many others use for AP rounds).
I’ll try to rummage it up some day, it might be at work.
It’s going to be something right in front of everybodies nose like autism. I’m convinced the direct cause of the increase in that is maternal obesity/high sugar consumption. Apparently though there’s more money for activists in ranting against vaccines which consistently show little or no correlation, while the maternal obesity and autism graphs both track each other just about picture perfect up an approximately 400% rise slope since the 70’s.
To quote roughly an old Denninger comment with respect to science and correlation/causation, one doesn’t assume the other, but it’s a pretty sure bet as to where the research money should go.
I’m not particularly studied on the topic. However, what I’ve read was pretty convincing that the DU was a serious and confirmed factor in the ill health issues of the servicemen, their sexual partners, their children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. The government was not going to be unnecessarily on the hook for many billions of dollars for no reason.