Is depleted uranium ammunition dangerous?

Depleted uranium is used for tank armor, armor-piercing bullets, and as weights to help balance aircrafts. Depleted uranium is both a toxic chemical and radiation health hazard when inside the body.

Is depleted uranium carcinogenic?

No human cancer of any type has ever been seen as a result of exposure to natural or depleted uranium. The chance of developing cancer is greater with exposure to enriched uranium, because it is more radioactive than natural uranium [ATSDR 2008b].

Which countries use depleted uranium?

At least 18 countries are thought to have weapon systems with DU in their arsenals. These include: UK, US, France, Russia, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Pakistan, Oman, Thailand, China, India and Taiwan.

What are the health effects of depleted uranium?

Health effects. Potentially depleted uranium has both chemical and radiological toxicity with the two important target organs being the kidneys and the lungs. Health consequences are determined by the physical and chemical nature of the depleted uranium to which an individual is exposed, and to the level and duration of exposure.

Why does the US Army use depleted uranium for penetrators?

The US Army uses DU in an alloy with around 3.5\% titanium. Depleted uranium is favored for the penetrator because it is self-sharpening and flammable. On impact with a hard target, such as an armored vehicle, the nose of the rod fractures in such a way that it remains sharp. The impact and subsequent release of heat energy causes it to ignite.

Are civilian exposures to du harmful to health?

Any civilian exposures to DU in the environment would in nearly every case be lower than the amount of DU inhaled by Service members in a vehicle struck by DU. Based on the projection of military exposures and risks, these civilian exposures would result in little or no risk to health.

Are aerosols created when depleted uranium (DU) bombs hit armored targets?

The U.S. Army has studied the potential environmental effect of aerosols created when depleted uranium (DU) munitions hit an armored target. In 2004, the U.S. Army reported the results of the “Capstone Study”, which was conducted by a team from the following organizations: