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stoned
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interesting piece about depleted uranium;
http://www.iconoclast-texas.com/News//19news02.htm
http://www.iconoclast-texas.com/News//19news02.htm
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Uh, yeah, but we aren't going to be making pipes or silverware out of it...stoned said:You saying that DU is like a lead then propably DU is quite dangerous esspecially to kids.
Pengwuino said:Undergrad research paper for lower-division classes? You mean like a HOMEWORK assignment?
Lead is the eventual product of radioactive decay. Depleted uranium is still uranium (U-238?). It has an extremely long half life, which means it is only slightly radioactive and therefore not a radiological threat.loseyourname said:I thought depleted uranium is lead. Isn't that what it degrades to?
russ_watters said:Oh goodie, more DU fearmongering. I love DU fearmongering. Its very entertaining. Uh, yeah, but we aren't going to be making pipes or silverware out of it...
here's a paper that's "slightly" more serious:Pengwuino said:Undergrad research paper for lower-division classes? You mean like a HOMEWORK assignment?
chroot said:The immediate products of U-238 decay are, in fact, more radioactive than U-238 itself, but they are short-lived.
- Warren
Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the process of enriching natural uranium for use in nuclear reactors or weapons. It is feared because it is radioactive and can potentially harm human health and the environment if not handled properly.
Depleted uranium has several military and civilian uses, including as armor-piercing ammunition, counterweights in airplanes and boats, and shielding in medical radiation treatments.
No, depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium because most of the highly radioactive isotopes have been removed during the enrichment process. However, it can still pose a health risk if not handled properly.
The main health risk from depleted uranium is exposure to its radioactive particles, which can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer. However, the level of risk depends on the amount and duration of exposure.
The risks of depleted uranium can be mitigated by following proper safety protocols when handling and disposing of it, and by limiting exposure to its radioactive particles through measures such as wearing protective gear and monitoring air and water quality in areas where it is used.