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Depleted uranium (DU; also referred to in the past as Q-metal, depletalloy or D-38) is uranium with a lower content of the fissile isotope 235 U than natural uranium. [2] The less radioactive and non-fissile 238 U is the main component of depleted uranium.
The use of depleted uranium (DU) in munitions is controversial because of questions about potential long-term health effects. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 31 ] Normal functioning of the kidney , brain , liver , heart , and numerous other systems can be affected by uranium exposure, because uranium is a toxic metal . [ 2 ]
96% of the mass is the remaining uranium: most of the original 238 U and a little 235 U. Usually 235 U would be less than 0.8% of the mass along with 0.4% 236 U. Reprocessed uranium will contain 236 U, which is not found in nature; this is one isotope that can be used as a fingerprint for spent reactor fuel.
When fired, depleted uranium becomes ‘essentially an exotic metal dart fired at extraordinarily high speed’
When fired, depleted uranium becomes ‘essentially an exotic metal dart fired at extraordinarily high speed’ What are depleted uranium munitions being used in Ukraine and why are they ...
Ingesting or inhaling quantities of uranium - even depleted uranium - is dangerous: it depresses renal function and raises the risk of developing a range of cancers.
Depleted uranium is preferred over similarly dense metals due to its ability to be easily machined and cast as well as its relatively low cost. [22] The main risk of exposure to depleted uranium is chemical poisoning by uranium oxide rather than radioactivity (uranium being only a weak alpha emitter).
As a part of a $1 billion aid package, the United States announced this week that it is sending depleted anti-tank munitions to Ukraine to help Zelensky’s troops fend off Russian tanks. The ...