What is depleted uranium? Radiation risks explained after Putin’s warning to UK over tank shells for Ukraine | world news

Russia has accused the UK of increasing the risk of a “nuclear collision” by supplying Ukraine with armor-piercing depleted uranium tank shells.

President Vladimir Cheese fries warned Russia should “react accordingly”, as he took another chance to threaten nuclear escalation in the Ukrainian war.

Minister of State for Defence, Baroness Annabel Goldie, has confirmed that some of the ammunition for the Challenger 2 main battle tanks that Britain sends to Ukraine include armour-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

What are the real risks associated with this ammunition? And why do tank shells contain depleted uranium?

What is depleted uranium?

Depleted uranium (DU) is the material that remains after most of the highly radioactive form of uranium – known as U-235 – is removed from natural uranium ore.

The U-235 provides the fuel used to produce nuclear energy and the powerful explosions used in nuclear weapons.

Depleted uranium is less radioactive, emitting mostly alpha particles, which do not have enough energy to penetrate the skin, so exposure outside the body is not considered a serious hazard.

However, it can pose a serious health hazard if swallowed or inhaled.

What is depleted uranium ammunition?

Depleted uranium is used in weapons because it can more easily penetrate tanks and armor due to its density and other physical properties.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claims that depleted uranium is used for both armour-piercing weapons and the armor itself.

Shells containing depleted uranium become sharper and ignite when they come into contact with armor.

Are uranium tank shells nuclear weapons?

According to the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, depleted uranium munitions cannot be considered nuclear weapons.

He says depleted uranium does not meet the legal definitions of nuclear, radiological, toxin, chemical, poison or incendiary weapons.

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But are there radiological risks?

THE IAEA says that inhaled or ingested uranium can be harmful “in sufficient quantities” due to its “chemical toxicity”.

Its main risk is chemical rather than radioactive. In high concentrations in the body, uranium can cause kidney failure due to its chemical toxicity, for example.

However, as with any radioactive material, there are risks of cancer. But it could take years for the effects to show.

As far as depleted uranium is concerned, the risks are less. Depleted uranium is considerably less radioactive than natural uranium.

But with shells containing DU, the main risk is inhaling the aerosols released on impact with an armored target.

Longer-term risks are possible from depleted uranium left in the ground on battlefields, for example. There are concerns that depleted uranium could contaminate water or food supplies if it seeps into the ground in the wrong places over the years. However, the risk decreases over time.

Therefore, the IAEA stresses that the riskiest level of contact is the direct handling of a shell or other type of depleted uranium ammunition.

Even then, skin burns or “any other acute radiation effects” are unlikely.

But he adds: “Nevertheless, the dose that could be delivered when handling DU ammunition is such that exposure and handling time should be kept to a minimum and protective clothing (gloves) should be doors.”

Putin: weapons have a ‘nuclear component’

The Russian president was hosting his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping for a summit in Moscow this week when he responded to reports that the UK was supplying Ukraine with DU shells.

He said: “If all of this happens, Russia will have to react accordingly, given that the West is already collectively beginning to use nuclear-based weapons.”

Picture:
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu went further. He claimed the British shell decision left fewer and fewer steps before a potential “nuclear collision” between Russia and the West.

“Another step has been taken, and there are fewer and fewer left,” he told reporters in remarks quoted by national agencies.

MoD: “Nothing to do with nuclear weapons”

The UK does not consider DU shells to be a nuclear capability.

And it must be said that Russia also uses munitions based on depleted uranium.

The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) has said the use of DU armor-piercing shells is “standard” in modern warfare.

As Sky’s Defense and Security Editor Deborah Haynes pointed out Tuesday for the Defense Ministry to issue a statement responding to Putin was highly unusual.

But he clearly wanted to stifle talk of his contribution to a nuclear escalation as quickly as possible.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement: “Along with our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will provide ammunition, including armour-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

“These shells are very effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.

“The British Army has been using depleted uranium in its armour-piercing shells for decades.

“It’s a standard component and it has nothing to do with nuclear weapons or capabilities. Russia knows this but is deliberately trying to misinform.

“Independent research by scientists from groups such as the Royal Society has assessed that any impact on personal health and the environment from the use of DU munitions is likely to be low.”

The British Army's Challenger tank from the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup based in Estonia, fires during a tactical field certification exercise in Adazi, Latvia June 18, 2020. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Picture:
British Army Challenger tank from NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup based in Estonia

“A devastating impact on civilians”

However, some activists believe that the use of DU shells is dangerous.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has called on the UK government to “introduce an immediate moratorium” on its use of munitions using depleted uranium.

He also argues that the government should support a global ban on its use in conventional weapons, while helping clean up areas where they have been used.

Some countries, such as Belgium and Costa Rica, have already banned the use of uranium in conventional ammunition.

On his websiteCND says: “Its use has a devastating impact on civilians caught up in conflicts around the world.

The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons was based in Manchester but has since moved to Berlin.

malek

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