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19 March 2010

Answer to Question #1075 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Alpha Emitters — Uranium

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What is your opinion, as a professonal health physicist, about the use of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition over former Yugoslav territory?

The primary potential risks to people or the environment from the use of depleted uranium (DU) bullets is from the chemical toxicity of uranium metal rather than radiological properties. Fortunately, its chemical toxicity is very low. DU is much less toxic and much less environmentally mobile than lead. Hence, DU bullets are much less dangerous to people and the environment than lead bullets. On the other hand, projectiles made from DU are more effective at destroying enemy tanks than those made from any other known metal, so our soldiers' lives are saved. Because of DU's beta and gamma radioactivity, residual pieces are easier to find and recover than lead bullets.

Otto G. Raabe, PhD, CHP
University of California, Davis

Answer posted on 24 July 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.