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“Depleted” uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the enrichment of natural uranium for use in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. DU is mostly composed of Uranium isotope 238, but does contain small amounts of more highly radioactive U-234 and U-235. DU created when used nuclear fuel is reprocessed may also contain plutonium and other extremely dangerous substances. The half-life of DU (the time it takes for half to decay and turn into another substance) is 4.5 billion years.
The term “depleted” uranium is misleading and does not mean that DU is harmless. DU is somewhat less radioactive than natural uranium that has been processed and concentrated, but can still harm humans. DU emits about 60% as much alpha radiation as naturally occurring uranium that has been processed and concentrated, about 85% as much gamma radiation, and essentially the same amount of beta radiation. DU’s chemical toxicity is the same as that of natural uranium.
Military Toxics Project
http://www.miltoxproj.org/du_basics.htm
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