Longer-term risks are possible from DU left behind in the soil on battlefields, for example. Depleted uranium is considerably less radioactive than natural uranium.īut with shells containing DU, the main risk is of inhaling aerosols released on impact with an armoured target. When it comes to DU, the risks are lower. But it could take years for any effects to show. However, as with any radioactive material, there are cancer risks. In high concentrations in the body, uranium can cause kidney failure because of its chemical toxicity, for example. Its main risk is chemical, rather than radioactive.

The IAEA says inhaled or ingested uranium can be harmful 'in sufficient amounts' because of its 'chemical toxicity'. The Putin-Xi bromance is increasingly unbalanced It says depleted uranium does not meet the legal definitions of nuclear, radiological, toxin, chemical, poison or incendiary weapons. Shells containing DU become sharper and ignite as they come into contact with armour.Īccording to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, depleted uranium ammunition cannot be considered as nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says DU is used for both armour-piercing weapons and armour itself.

It can be a serious health hazard, however, if it is swallowed or inhaled.ĭU is used in weapons because it can penetrate tanks and armour more easily due to its density and other physical properties. U-235 provides the fuel used to produce nuclear power and the powerful explosions used in nuclear weapons.ĭU is less radioactive, mainly emitting alpha particles, which don't have enough energy to go through skin, so exposure to the outside of the body is not considered a serious hazard. What are the actual risks associated with such ammunition, though? And why do tank shells contain depleted uranium in the first place?ĭepleted uranium (DU) is the material left behind after most of the highly radioactive form of uranium - known as U-235 - is removed from natural uranium ore.

Minister of state for defence Baroness Annabel Goldie confirmed some of the ammunition for the Challenger 2 battle tanks that Britain is sending to Ukraine includes armour-piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium.

Modern-day TANK SHELLS