DEPLETED URANIUM, have you ever read metal of dishonor?

Thank you EvanHunter. When I was a Kid ( 21 ) I had a boyfriend, whom came back from the Gulf w/ all of the Symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. I knew him before he left and in no way...was there anything wrong w/ him. This actually...doesn't suprise Me, but it does sadden Me. Thank you for the Knowledge. A .

Here's how I think this horror got started.

Since DU is harder than steel and heavier than lead it makes a wonderful armor penetrating projectile. Tests done on a piece of DU just sitting somewhere indicate it is harmless. I think it was because of these peace time tests of DU that it was approved for use. However, when you go to actual war and have it actually penetrate some armor something terrible happens. It becomes super hot from the friction of penetrating steel and partially atomizes, fragments, and vaporizes. All these very tiny particles are extreme irritants that can cause cancer and who knows what other disease. Troops are even warned now to not go into enemy vehicals just after they have been destroyed by DU projectiles. The air inside such a vehical is more dangerous than any cigarette you'll ever smoke. What about the soil around the destroyed vehical where the other particles of DU settle? No one really knows how bad it is, but it isn't good, for sure.

DU is something that intially looked like a super weapon. It is a material that cuts through armor like a hot knife through butter. I believe intially our military leaders were unaware of its toxic effects. It is perfectly understandable to me why they would approve it in the beginning as an acceptable weapon. Now its disadvantages are known. There no longer is an excuse to continue using this weapon that I can see.

I'm willing to consider the other side of the arguement. Anyone know what that would be?