Depleted Uranium: What It Is and How to Mitigate Its Harmful Effects

Depleted uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the enrichment process of natural uranium. This process, carried out in centrifuges, aims to increase the concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235 for use in nuclear reactors or weapons. The remaining uranium, which contains a low percentage (less than 0.3%) of uranium-235 and a high percentage of uranium-238 (up to 99.7%), is known as depleted uranium.

Depleted uranium is characterized by its high density (65% denser than lead). Unlike enriched uranium, DU is weakly radioactive and emits alpha particles that can be shielded by paper. However, it is toxic like lead and poses health risks if inhaled or ingested. DU can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, causing kidney failure or cellular damage, and chronic exposure can increase the risk of cancer.

Due to its high density, DU is used in armor-piercing weapons and fortifications. It ignites upon impact, increasing the destructive power of explosions. DU also has civilian applications, such as in radiation therapy devices to prevent the spread of radiation and protect medical staff. It is also used in containers for transporting radioactive materials and for balancing aircraft and ships due to its high density.

Harmful Effects and Mitigation

When depleted uranium munitions explode, they fragment into high-velocity projectiles that can penetrate armor and ignite upon contact with air, increasing their destructive power and releasing particles into the environment. These particles can contaminate air, soil, and water for thousands of years, making the soil toxic to animals and plants and threatening the ecosystem and human health.

Mitigating the effects of DU is a complex and costly process. It involves removing contaminated soil and burying it in designated sites with protective layers, treating and purifying affected water sources, and continuously monitoring radiation levels with sensors.

Despite its benefits in civilian industries, the use of DU in the military causes significant long-term environmental and health problems that are difficult to address. Efforts to limit its use continue, but its availability as a low-cost product with unique physical properties complicates the issue.