this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2023
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The use of depleted uranium munitions has been fiercely debated, with opponents like the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons saying there are dangerous health risks from ingesting or inhaling depleted uranium dust, including cancers and birth defects.

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[–] mashbooq@infosec.pub 8 points 1 year ago (3 children)

What does the "depleted" part of depleted uranium mean?

[–] teddy_m@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Depleted means that the radioactive isotope is lower in concentration. It still is somehow radioactive (it's fine if not ingested) and still remains a heavy and toxic metal.

[–] mashbooq@infosec.pub 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Right, so how are all these large areas and crops going to be contaminated?

[–] krolden@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

When they explode, they spread radioactive dust into the surrounding area. If that area is ever farmed it can contaminate the crops and cause cancer to anyone breathing in the dust

[–] mashbooq@infosec.pub -1 points 1 year ago

And what is the level of risk of that happening?

[–] ryathal@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago

There are multiple different isotopes of uranium, depleted has less of the kinds good for bombs or fuel.

[–] slice1@lemmy.ml -3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Are you denser then Uranium? Why do you think there is an issue with waste from nuclear power plants? Hint: it is radioactive!

[–] mashbooq@infosec.pub 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Calls me dense, doesn't know what depleted uranium is

[–] slice1@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Sure, whatever makes you feel lighter.