[sdiy] depleted uranium

[anthony]

OK I already used up my comment quota in this matter, but I just have to add 
since this misconception seems to be pervasive. "Depleted" means depleted of 
fissionable isotopes - NOT depleted of radioactivity. Spontaneous nuclear 
decay from alpha particle emmision is not the same as nuclear fission 
although I guess I could see how one could draw that conclusion. Spontaneous 
radioactive decay yields a light particle (here an alpha particle which in 
other areas of physics some would call heavy, but here I call it light...) 
plus a heavy particle. Nuclear fission yields two lighter, but still heavy 
nuclei - often fissionable themselves.

Depleted uranium is a HIGHLY RADIOACTIVE alpha emmiter. Far more dangerous 
than lead, especially in the fine oxide aerosol that results after 
deployment of DU munitions.

I think soldiers should at least be told the truth.


>
>> It is a byproduct of nuclear reactors, so it is free!
>
> Generally DU used in munitions does not actually come out of a reactor.
> The depleted uranium is a by-product of the enrichment process that
> separates out the fissible uranium.
> It has very little radioactivity, but is still about as bad for you as 
> lead.
> You don't hear many compaints about lead-tipped munitions, but they have a
> much more significant environmental impact due to their much wider use.
>
> Cheers,
> Colin f
>
>
>