Is depleted uranium shells have any radiation? If it does how long is it consider poison to us?

Answer 1

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 particle emitted by its isotopes travel only a few centimeters in air or can be stopped by a sheet of paper. Also, the uranium-235 that remains in depleted uranium emits only a small amount of low-energy gamma radiation. According to the World Health Organization, a radiation dose from it would be about 60% of that from purified natural uranium with the same mass. Approximately 90 µg (micrograms) of natural uranium, on average, exist in the human body as a result of normal intakes of water, food and air. The majority of this is found in the skeleton, with the rest in various organs and tissues.

The radiological dangers of pure depleted uranium are relatively low, lower (60%) than those of naturally-occurring uranium due to the removal of the more radioactive isotopes, as well as due to its long half-life (4.46 billion years). Depleted uranium differs from natural uranium in its isotopic composition, but its biochemistry is for the most part the same. For further details see Actinides in the environment.

Answer 2

Depleted Uranium (DU) shells have no more radiation than the background radiation of the Earth.

What makes them such effective ordnance is their high density, or mass per unit of volume. This allows them to pack more kinetic punch than your average lead bullet.

Uranium, however, is a heavy metal. What caused many of the health problems was the fact that when the round hits its target, it partially vaporizes because of the conversion of its kinetic energy (.5 x Mass x Velocity^2) into heat. The particles of heavy metal are then breathed into the lungs, causing potential heath problems (depending on the amount of DU dust inhaled).

I worked on CIWS when I was Enlisted, including handleing the DU shells employed by the system at the time. As long as proper safety precautions are taken (such as gloves when handling the ammunition) it doesn't pose a health hazard to handlers.

Answer 3

Depleted Uranium Shells fired at tanks in the Yugoslavia conflict by US Airplanes back in the 1990's are still contaminated by the radioactivity from the strikes.Many of these tanks are so contaminated its possible to take Geiger counter / Rad readings off them.

Many of the tanks are left where they were hit and are used by kids as playground toys, unknowing of the danger and health risk these items present.

Answer 4

Your skin will protect you from its radiation, which is why it is dangerous if you ingest it or you get one lodged in your body somehow.