Re: DU - request for scientific (!) information

[andrew_mcewan@nrl.moh.govt.nz]

In response to Franz Schoenhofer's request, since he 'volunteered' me, and using information previously posted to Radsafe, I would note the following:

1. A DU round striking a soft target (e.g. truck or car) would generally pass straight through.  A round striking a hard target (e.g. tank) ignites on
contact and 10-35 % is converted to oxide in the respirable range.  US DOD and DOE tests have shown airborne concentrations outside the struck vehicle
at the time of the strike have been below NRC DACs and OSHA Pernissible Exposure Limits, i.e. there has not been a significant inhalation exposure in
the immediate vicinity.  (Presumably this finding applies at a short distance and is an integration over some time period which includes the release
'pulse'.)  Further, measured airborne concentrations from resuspension inside struck vehicles were also below NRC and OSHA limits.

2. The current hypothesis that some leukemias in troops who served in Bosnia may be linked to DU exposure is not credible because
(a)  Uranium is more chemically toxic than a radioactive risk.  High intakes of uranium could potentially result in changes in renal function.

(b)  Changes in renal function have not been observed in persons most exposed to uranium occupationally or in the Gulf War.

(c) The mass of uranium required to give rise to significant radiation doses is almost impossible to accumulate.  Leukemia is not a credible result of
exposure to uranium oxide for reasons noted by Otto Raabe.

(d)  The incidence of disease including leukemias in troops who served in Bosnia does not appear abnormal.

(e)  Radiation-induced leukemias have not been observed in exposed populations in times shorter than about two years: the peak incidence is after 8
years.  Therefore from this perspective alone the few leukemias amongst troops in Bosnia and Kosovo should be recognised as unrelated to DU and
radiation.

Andrew McEwan

Andrew C McEwan PhD
National Radiation Laboratory
PO Box 25-099
Christchurch, New Zealand
Ph 64 3 366 5059
Fax 64 3 366 1156
Andrew_McEwan@nrl.moh.govt.nz

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