Depleted Uranium
Enrichment of uranium for use in nuclear weapons and reactors produces various waste byproducts, including so-called "depleted" uranium (DU). For over twenty-five years, the U.S. Department of Defense has produced ammunition using this nuclear waste, which is both radioactive and chemically toxic. Evidence of environmental and human health damage caused by "depleted" uranium has steadily increased, despite Pentagon assertions that such impacts would not occur. There is now significant evidence that DU can cause or accelerate cancer, mutate genes, and affect the kidneys, immune system, nervous system, respiratory system, and reproductive system, The United Nations Human Rights Commission considers DU munitions to be "weapons of mass destruction or with indiscriminant effect" incompatible with international humanitarian law.
What is "Depleted" Uranium?
"Depleted" uranium (DU) is a waste byproduct of the enrichment of natural uranium for use in nuclear reactors and nuclear
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