Depleted Uranium (DU) is a by product of the uranium enrichment process, which is used to increase the concentration of uranium-235 for use in reactors or weapons. When natural uranium is processed for enrichment, the uranium-235 is selectively extracted, leaving behind depleted uranium. This depleted uranium is primarily composed of uranium-238, which is not fissile but still radioactive.
Depleted uranium is denser than lead, making it useful for certain applications.
Weapons that use depleted uranium are not considered nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium (DU) weapons do not utilize the fissile properties of uranium-235 or undergo a nuclear chain reaction. They are conventional weapons that incorporate depleted uranium as a dense metal for their penetrative capabilities.
Depleted uranium is primarily used in armor-piercing ammunition, such as tank rounds or anti-armor projectiles. The high density of depleted uranium enables these projectiles to effectively penetrate armored targets. When the DU projectile strikes a target, it can generate heat and kinetic energy, causing the target to be damaged or destroyed.
Uranium oxide
While depleted uranium is a radioactive material, its radioactivity is primarily due to the presence of uranium-238, which has a very long half-life and emits primarily alpha particles. The radiation emitted by depleted uranium is generally considered to be a minimal concern during the use of DU weapons, as the radioactive particles are typically encapsulated within the projectile and do not pose a significant external radiation hazard.
It’s important to note though that the use of depleted uranium weapons ‘has’ raised major concerns regarding potential long-term health and environmental effects. The risks primarily stem from the inhalation or ingestion of fine uranium oxide particles released upon impact, as these particles can be chemically toxic and mildly radioactive.
A secondary explosion
The impact of a DU projectile against an armored target may trigger a secondary explosion if the target contains flammable or explosive materials, such as fuel or ammunition. This secondary explosion is not caused by the depleted uranium projectile itself, but rather by the ignition of these other materials as a result of the impact.
As said, it’s important to distinguish between the destructive capabilities of DU weapons and the effects of the depleted uranium itself. The use of DU weapons can result in the dispersion of fine uranium oxide dust and particles upon impact. The potential health and environmental effects of this uranium dust inhalation or ingestion have been a subject of concern and scientific research, separate from the kinetic impact of the weapon itself.
Effects
The effects of Uranium Oxide dust can be catastrophic for humans and the environment causing radioactive effects, chemical toxicity, lung damage, kidney disease and organ damage in general which can be passed on through the generations that follow the contamination.
Uranium oxide contamination can persist in the environment for a long time, primarily due to the radioactive properties of uranium-238, which is the primary component of depleted uranium (DU). Uranium-238 has a very long half-life of about 4.5 billion years, which means it takes an extremely long time for half of the uranium-238 to decay into other elements.
The environmental persistence of uranium oxide contamination depends on various factors, including the specific conditions of the contaminated site, the dispersion mechanisms, and the local environmental processes. The following factors can influence the longevity of uranium oxide contamination.
- Physical Displacement: Uranium oxide particles can be physically dispersed by wind, water, or other natural processes. The extent of dispersion can affect the distribution and concentration of contamination in the environment. Wind can transport fine particles over long distances, while water can carry and deposit uranium particles in different locations.
- Chemical Reactions: Uranium oxide particles can undergo chemical reactions and transformations in the environment. For example, they can interact with soil components, water, or other chemicals present in the surroundings. These reactions can influence the mobility, solubility, and availability of uranium in the environment.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture levels, and biological activity, can impact the persistence of uranium oxide contamination. Factors like weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and the presence of micro-organisms can affect the fate and transport of uranium particles.
The presence of uranium oxide can can destroy the usability of an environment, making it uninhabitable for millions of years.
These weapons have already been used
Depleted uranium (DU) weapons have been used in various military conflicts.
- Gulf War (1990-1991):
The United States and its allies used DU ammunition extensively during the Gulf War. DU rounds were employed in tank shells, artillery projectiles, and anti-aircraft ammunition. The use of DU in this conflict has been a subject of concern and controversy due to potential health and environmental impacts. - Balkans conflict (1990s):
DU ammunition was also used during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. This has raised similar concerns about the long-term effects of DU exposure on human health and the environment. - Iraq War (2003-2011):
Depleted uranium munitions were again used by the United States and its coalition forces during the Iraq War. DU projectiles were employed in tank rounds, missiles, and other forms of ammunition. The presence of DU in Iraq has been a topic of ongoing debate and investigation while images of the effects they have caused are beginning to emerge.
The use of depleted uranium weapons has generated concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to uranium oxide dust and particles released upon impact. There are major concerns about the contamination of soil and water, as well as potential risks to military personnel, civilians, and future generations.
NATO wants to use them in Ukraine
The current conflict in Ukraine has prompted a call for the use of these deadly weapons against the Russians by NATO and this has resulted in dire warnings of a nuclear nature from the Kremlin.
The big players in NATO like the UK and the USA have these weapons at their disposal and are already shipping them to Ukraine for use.
If they are used, then the productive land of Ukraine is likely to become a contaminated wasteland and future generations at certain risk of inherited disease.