Abstract
"Depleted uranium" is a low-level radioactive material produced in the process of enrichment of natural uranium for the purpose of nuclear weapons or nuclear energy. Compared to natural uranium, depleted uranium contains a lower percentage of U-235 and a higher percentage of U-238. Still, it has 60% radioactivity of natural uranium in addition to chemical toxicity. However, only the limited information is available as to the nature of depleted uranium which is actually being used by the military. Due to uranium's high density and heavy weight, the military finds it valuable to use depleted uranium as artillery shell penetrators and tank armors. When depleted uranium penetrators hit hard targets like tanks, they will dissolve into aerosol particles. What is feared is that human beings inhale aerosol particles in the air. When inhaled or swallowed into a human body, most of uranium will eventually be excreted. Nevertheless, some may reach the kidney through blood to make serious damage. The insolvable form of uranium will remain in the body for a long period by increasing a risk of internal radioactive toxicity. [J Radiat Res 44:386 (2003)]
