Sardinian village becomes first in the world to ban DU

In a world first, the Sardinian village of Villaputzu has banned the transit, storage and use of depleted uranium weapons within its boundaries.

Villaputzu, which is next door to the Salto di Quirra test-firing range, made the decision after its mayor proposed the ruling during the summer. It is alleged that 12 of the village's 200 inhabitants have developed lymphatic leukaemia, a cancer often associated with radiation exposure. The ban includes both the civilian and military use of DU.

Unfortunately, given the secrecy that surrounds the range, it is unlikely that this decision will lead to the end of test-firing there, however, it does now give the local police the power to arrest anyone found to be in possession of DU within the village's boundaries. It could also set an important precedent for other population centres with the misfortune of having a test-firing range on their doorstep.