Is it true that depleted uranium was used and led to birth defects in the children of people who were exposed? I've heard many different things--that the US and Britain were responsible; that they were not responsible; that no such thing ever occurred; and that there have been babies born with deformities but depleted uranium was not the cause. I had always thought that some sort of chemical weapon used in the Gulf War did lead to birth defects in babies. If anyone can verify or discredit any of this information, I'd appreciate it.
2006-12-25 10:12:14 · 17 answers · asked by Haifa Z 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Depleted Uranium (DU) was used during Operation Desert Storm... it is used to make tank-rounds and large caliber bullets because it is 70% more dense than lead. It will penetrate armor.
Depleted Uranium is NOT used as a "chemical weapon" or more properly stated, a "radiological weapon".
Depleted uranium is not a significant health hazard unless it is taken into the body. External exposure to radiation from depleted uranium is generally not a major concern because the alpha particles emitted by its isotopes travel only a few centimeters in air or can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in 2003 that, "based on credible scientific evidence, there is no proven link between DU exposure and increases in human cancers or other significant health or environmental impacts," although "Like other heavy metals, DU is potentially poisonous. In sufficient amounts, if DU is ingested or inhaled it can be harmful because of its chemical toxicity. High concentration could cause kidney damage."
There is not yet scientific evidence that it causes birth defects.
The US stopped production of DU rounds in favor of Tungsten.
2006-12-25 10:42:32 · answer #1 · answered by mariner31 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
While it is true that deplted uranium was used in the Iraq wars The health affects are still unknown. It should be noted that the Gulf is basically one big polluted backwater and sand trap. This pollution comes from years of chemical spills oil pollution and other enviromental pollutants. So it can't be said with real confidence that the uranium was at fault for any alleged deformities. The depleted uranium is used in anti-tank rounds and in armor of the M1-A2 Abrams tank.
2006-12-25 16:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by brian L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, depleted uranium is used in rounds such as tank ammunition because it can defeat tank armor. I'm not sure if you were thinking that the military literally dropped uranium on Iraq or whatever, but yes the US military and several other militaries use it in ammunition and also use it in armor itself. Of course the Defense Department refuses to admit that the radioactive material they used is leading to Gulf War syndrome and birth defects, but many veterans groups and Iraqi doctors claim that the waste is negatively affecting veterans and Iraqis.
2006-12-25 10:30:48 · answer #3 · answered by Meekha 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a former Naval person, I know what I am talking about. winemkr, and Robert s, have it right. Depleted Uranium was used in the Gulf War. What they told you was correct. This has since been replaced with a tungsten metal. A very hard metal. It is used for armor piercing purposes.
2006-12-25 11:58:25 · answer #4 · answered by zzz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depleted Uranium is used for building stronger armour in tanks. It is blamed for ailments of american soilders. There are few Females exposed and very few pregnant females exposed to depleted Uranium for long periods of time. I would think it is unlikely it would cause birth defects. I would not doubt that it causes some of the ailments the soilders are complaining.
2006-12-25 10:22:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fact of the matter is that the human health hazards of uranium are well known. And all the claims of it causing birth defects are pure BS.
There have been many scientific studies performed and they all agree that DU has had no effect on human health in the areas it was used.
2006-12-26 05:27:15 · answer #6 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depleted Uranium ordinance is in the US arsenal, primarily in anti-tank and bunker buster bombs, You will have a tough time trying to establish possible effects. The US govt did not admit effects of Agent Orange for many years after the war was over, and still only admits limited effects.
2006-12-25 10:47:50 · answer #7 · answered by Richard P 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depleted uranium is used in the frontal armor of the M1A3 Abraham's main battle tank. It is lamented between the steel armor plating. The density of the depleted uranium makes it virtually impossible to penetrate the frontal armor of a M1A3 in a tank battle.
Since it is lamented between the steel plating the tank crew is not exposed to the radiation.
The M1A1's and M1A2's have solid cast frontal armor which is not as strong.
2006-12-25 10:33:38 · answer #8 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depleted uranium has both civilian and military uses due to its density. Exposure to depleted uranium is not very harmful. According to the world health organization.
2006-12-25 10:20:05 · answer #9 · answered by cornholingmidgets2 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's true, but, the horror stories are not true. The NUTCASE on you tube hasn't got a clue what he is talking about.
DU is used to penetrate armor because it is 60 times more dense than lead. It also begins a rapid decomposition when exposed to O2 molecules that gives it an explosive property.
The radiation given of by DU is in the alpha range. It is so weak that a piece of paper will reflect the radiation.
2006-12-25 10:35:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋