On 2011-09-29, anorton wrote:

"Ignoramus8377" wrote in message
...
Actually, DU is half as radioactive as natural uranium.

I have a uranium bowl, By The Way.

i

Uranium 238 in ceramic glaze is not a big deal. I also own a few pieces of
uranium and thorium-doped optical glass.

I also have some pretty warm minerals (all 100% legal to own, per NRC).

However, fine particles of uranium
or uranium oxide inhaled in the lungs are another mattter. It is true the
body gets rid of most of it, but some sticks around. One of the desireable
properties of a DU projectile is that is does not splatter into big pieces.
Instead, as it penetrates, the outer layers turn to dust allowing the core
to penetrate deeper. No other material works as well for penetrating armor.
However, I would not want to be anywhere downwind of an A-10 strafing run.


Neither would I.

Uranium emits alpha radiation. Alpha rays can be stopped by toilet
paper, clothes, etc. However, if a hot alpha emitting dust particle
ends up inside he body (say lungs), it can cause cancer.

i