Controversy on Depleted Uranium Utilization, Disposal, Health, and Environmental Consequences
Milciades Andrion
Versatile Professional with Expertise in Civil Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Medicare.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the health risks associated with exposure to depleted uranium are mainly related to its chemical toxicity and the potential for inhalation or ingestion of depleted uranium particles. In general, WHO recognizes the potential health hazards associated with exposure to DU, especially when it is inhaled or ingested. However, the organization also notes that the risk of adverse health effects is dependent on several factors, including the level and duration of exposure, the size and type of particles, and individual susceptibility. WHO has recommended that DU exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, and that appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the release of DU into the environment.
The discussion surrounding the health impacts of Depleted Uranium had led to differing opinions among specialists. In 2006, a controversy emerged over the potential health consequences of exposure to Depleted Uranium, with two radiation experts holding opposing views on the matter. Based on the information available, Keith Baverstock, a former colleague of Michael Repacholi at the World Health Organization (WHO), accused Repacholi of concealing reports that suggested a link between depleted uranium and cancer risk. Baverstock had attempted to submit research conducted by the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute of the US Department of Defense, which identified genotoxicity evidence from depleted uranium particles within the body.
On one hand, Keith Baverstock, a radiation specialist, expressed concerns over the utilization of DU in military settings. He had contended that DU exposure posed a considerable health risk to soldiers and civilians alike and that the long-term effects of such exposure had not been thoroughly investigated. Conversely, Michael Repacholi, a former leader of the World Health Organization's Radiation Program, had advocated for the use of DU in military applications. He had maintained that the health risks linked to DU exposure were minimal and that its effectiveness in military settings justified its use.
The debate over the health effects of DU exposure is ongoing, and there is no consensus on the issue. Some studies have suggested that exposure to DU can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer and birth defects, while others have found no evidence of significant health risks.
Depleted uranium oxide is one potential disposition method for DU, involving the conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) to depleted uranium oxide. However, the search results do not provide enough information to analyze the costs and benefits of this method. The costs and benefits of DU disposition would depend on the specific method chosen, potential applications, and the environmental and health impacts associated with DU storage or use. Some potential application is being used as a component of tank armor. It is used in a variety of military applications, including armor-penetrating shells, tank armor, and armor-plating for aircraft. However, the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium are still a subject of debate and study among scientific and medical communities. Also, Depleted uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the process used to enrich uranium for use in nuclear reactors or weapons.
Regardless of the potential health effects, the use of DU in military applications has been controversial due to the environmental impact of depleted uranium. When Depleted Uranium munitions are used, they create aerosolized particles that can contaminate soil and water, potentially affecting local populations for years to come.
The costs and benefits of disposition for depleted uranium would depend on the specific method chosen, the potential applications of DU, and the environmental and health impacts associated with storing or using DU. Further research would be needed to provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis for the disposition of depleted uranium.
Overall, several studies have implied that exposure to DU might heighten the risk of specific cancer types, particularly lung and bone cancer; however, the evidence is still not definitive. With any potentially dangerous substance, practicing caution and limiting exposure to DU is crucial whenever feasible. Additionally, enhancing risk communication and management is essential to reducing risks and safeguarding public health.
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1635642/
https://www.bmj.com/content/333/7576/990.2
https://truthout.org/articles/depleted-uranium-weapon-use-persists-despite-deadly-side-effects/
https://theintercept.com/2023/01/26/ukraine-uranium-bradley-fighting-vehicle/