Depleted uranium is almost entirely composed of the 238U isotope (uranium-238) and is a residue of the enrichment or reprocessing process of natural uranium to obtain the 235U isotope (Uranium-235), used in fission in nuclear reactors and bombs. Its high density (19,050 kg / m³), 67% higher than that of lead, makes depleted uranium a suitable material for various civil and military applications. In the civilian field it is used mainly as ballast in aircraft, boats and submarines and as a shield against radiation. In the military, it is used in projectiles (called "penetrators"), physical armor and artillery pieces in general. Such uses are controversial. Although it is less toxic than other heavy metals (such as arsenic and mercury) and weakly radioactive, due to its long half-life of about 4.5 billion years, it emits the equivalent of about 60% of the radiation emanating from the natural uranium, it has been proven, from several laboratory studies, that it is toxic to mammals, attacks the reproductive system and the development of the fetus, causing reduced fertility, abortions and deformities in newborns. Cytological tests show that, with chronic exposure, DU is leukogenic, mutagenic and also neurotoxic.
Alteration of Mouse Oocyte Quality after a Chronic Exposure to Depleted Uranium.
