this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2023
291 points (90.5% liked)

World News

32372 readers
654 users here now

News from around the world!

Rules:

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

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.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] -4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Everyone should worry. Depleted uranium will contaminate large crop production areas and later these grains will be sold all around the world. Everybody will eat some.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (3 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

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

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 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

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago

And what is the level of risk of that happening?

[–] bouh -1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Banana is somehow radioactive too you know. Or granit. Anciant Greece monument often are above the radiation levels allowed in a nuclear power plant.

Also, while you talk about it, lead is far far more toxic than depleted uranium. Many metals are toxic actually, that's why your government monitor water meant for consumption.

[–] Bluetreefrog 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

lead is far far more toxic than depleted uranium

Looks like that might not be correct. https://lemmy.world/comment/3108233

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Ancient Greece used marble for monuments, not granite...

[–] [email protected] -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!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Sure, whatever makes you feel lighter.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 year ago