What is depleted uranium ammunition?
DU is used in weapons because it can penetrate tanks and armour more easily due to its density and other physical properties.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says DU is used for both armour-piercing weapons and armour itself.
Shells containing DU become sharper and ignite as they come into contact with armour.
are there any radiation risks?
The IAEA says inhaled or ingested uranium can be harmful “in sufficient amounts” because of its “chemical toxicity”.
Its main risk is chemical, rather than radioactive. In high concentrations in the body, uranium can cause kidney failure because of its chemical toxicity, for example.
However, as with any radioactive material, there are cancer risks. But it could take years for any effects to show.
When it comes to DU, the risks are lower. Depleted uranium is considerably less radioactive than natural uranium.
But with shells containing DU, the main risk is of inhaling aerosols released on impact with an armoured target.
Longer-term risks are possible from DU left behind in the soil on battlefields, for example. There are some concerns DU could contaminate water or food supplies if it seeps into the soil in the wrong place over the years. The risk decreases as time goes on, though.
Therefore, the IAEA highlights the riskiest level of contact as handling a shell or other type of DU ammunition directly.