War in Ukraine: the United States will deliver shells with depleted uranium

In the American war arsenal, it is an ammunition considered precise and effective. It is a shell capable of piercing the most efficient armor and which will equip the tanks that Washington has promised to deliver to the Ukrainian army in the coming months. This decision is assumed, but controversial, because these shells arouse many criticisms. Widely used during the First Gulf War, they are made with depleted uranium, suspected of having caused cancer in soldiers and civilians exposed to its use.

Health risks?

Depleted uranium emits little radiation. But after an explosion, it can be toxic if fine particles are absorbed by the body. “There are soldiers who have returned with unexplained illnesses, including leukemia“, emphasizes Olivier Lepickassociate researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research. Arms experts point out that international law does not prohibit its use.