The Toxicity of Depleted Uranium

Abstract

Depleted uranium (DU) is an emerging environmental pollutant that is introduced into the environment primarily by military activity. While depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it still retains all the chemical toxicity associated with the original element. In large doses the kidney is the target organ for the acute chemical toxicity of this metal, producing potentially lethal tubular necrosis. In contrast, chronic low dose exposure to depleted uranium may not produce a clear and defined set of symptoms. Chronic low-dose, or subacute, exposure to depleted uranium alters the appearance of milestones in developing organisms. Adult animals that were exposed to depleted uranium during development display persistent alterations in behavior, even after cessation of depleted uranium exposure. Adult animals exposed to depleted uranium demonstrate altered behaviors and a variety of alterations to brain chemistry. Despite its reduced level of radioactivity evidence continues to accumulate that depleted uranium, if ingested, may pose a radiologic hazard. The current state of knowledge concerning DU is discussed.

Impacts of Terrestrial Ionizing Radiation on the Hematopoietic System

“…Depleted uranium and natural uranium are environmental pollutants that emerge from uranium-rich regions [87][88][89][90]. They are regarded as radiological hazards [87].…”

“…A paper has mentioned many studies related to reproductive toxicity in humans and animals from uranium or depleted uranium exposure [93]. There are risks associated with long-term exposure from dusty particles of depleted uranium, and its drinking water contamination can lead to damaged lungs, kidneys, and brain [63,79,88,89,[94][95][96][97][98][99]. This study reported that 92% of radiation-exposed dwellers were not taking ionizing radiation-free drinking water.…”

The effects of modern war and military activities on biodiversity and the environment

“…Leftover shells or fragments after combat can result in accidental ingestion by many bird species, who consume small particles inadvertently, or as grit to aid in their digestion (Fisher et al 2006). Depleted uranium shells or casings are also used by some factions and can cause localized soil and sediment contamination (Haavisto et al 2001;Papastefanou 2002;Briner 2010). Uranium toxicity is of concern to exposed terrestrial and freshwater plants, freshwater invertebrates and vertebrates, and mammals (Sheppard et al 2005).…”

“…Uranium toxicity is of concern to exposed terrestrial and freshwater plants, freshwater invertebrates and vertebrates, and mammals (Sheppard et al 2005). In mammals, uranium toxicity can be highly detrimental to development, brain chemistry, behaviour, and kidney function (Briner 2010).…”

Enighet om en forbudsavtale mot atomvåpen

“…Utarmet uran kan gi helseskader av to grunner: det er et giftig tungmetall og det avgir kortrekkende radioaktiv alfapartikkel stråling (28). Utarmet uran har en ekstremt lang halveringstid på 4,5 milliarder år.…”