What is a major health concern associated with chronic exposure to depleted uranium?

Chronic exposure to depleted uranium is primarily associated with renal toxicity, particularly chronic renal tubular damage. Depleted uranium, when it enters the body, can lead to nephrotoxic effects, damaging the renal tubules which are crucial for filtering waste from the blood and maintaining electrolyte balance. This kind of damage can lead to various health issues, including impaired kidney function and, over the long term, the potential for severe renal diseases.

The mechanism through which depleted uranium affects the kidneys is linked to its chemical properties rather than its radioactivity. While depleted uranium does emit radiation, the health impacts from chronic exposure are largely from its heavy metal properties, which can be toxic to kidney cells. This renal toxicity underscores the importance of monitoring and limiting exposure to such materials, especially for workers in environments where they might be present.

Other health issues such as cancer risk, respiratory distress, and neurological deficits, while significant, are not the primary health concern tied to chronic exposures specifically related to depleted uranium. Instead, studies and reports have consistently highlighted kidney damage as a major outcome from such exposure.