Renal effects of exposure to natural and depleted uranium: a review of the epidemiologic and experimental data.

Elevated levels of naturally occurring uranium in groundwater have been found in small geographic areas throughout the world. Relevant research was reviewed pertaining to natural and depleted uranium (DU) exposure and nephrotoxicity, including epidemiologic community-based and occupational studies, studies of Gulf War veterans exposed to DU, and experimental studies in animals. Occupational cohort studies do not provide evidence of an increased risk of kidney-related mortality among uranium-exposed workers.