AP

  • Dad2DnA@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    That is just wrong, it certainly is radioactive, just not capable of going critical, which would define it as a “nuclear weapon”. Depleted uranium emits radiation, albeit at low levels, therefore it is radioactive

    • Fosheze@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Depleted uranium is far more hazardous because it’s a heavy metal than because it’s still very slightly radioactive. It’s an alpha emitter so the radiation won’t penetrate your skin. You can handle DU constantly and not have any issues unless you breathe it in or swallow it at which point the primary concern is going to be acute heavy metal poisoning, not the cancer it may or may not cause several years down the road.

      • Endorkend@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Neither of those effects are something you want spread all over a country that supplies a crapload of the worlds grain and other agricultural products.

        • AA5B@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Even worse, Ukraine will be spreading g it around their own country. While I realize it’s a fight for survival against aggression and support giving them all the help they need, it’s horrifying what it’s doing to them and their country

    • remotelove
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      1 year ago

      Alpha particles. If you snort a bunch of DU dust, that would be bad since the same cells would be constantly exposed for a long time.

      If anyone is curious about the prevalence of different types of radiation, go on YouTube and look for videos of cloud chambers. Cool stuff.