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My understanding is that DU is only a little more harmful than lead, which is a toxic metal that remains popular for ammunition all over the world for the same reason: its density.
Pretty much what the article says.
The alpha radiation that DU emits is not strong enough to penetrate human skin, so just being near depleted uranium is not a health risk. But it may become a health hazard if it is ingested or inhaled, or shrapnel fragments are retained in the body.
It's really just one more hazard a former battlefield can have. If I was in or around a former battlefield that had DU rounds used, I would be more concerned about unexploded high explosives.
I don't wanna inhale lead vapors either. Let's try to avoid having wars.
Very informative article.
DU also has nonmilitary applications. Its high density makes it useful for stopping radiation in medical, research and nuclear facilities.
I find it funny a source of radiation, admittedly safe alpha radiation as long as it is outside of you, is used as radiation shielding.
this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2023
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