[ RadSafe ] pyrophoric uranium considered nonessential

[James Salsman]

Alan Watts wrote:

>... the MSDS excerpt ... for depleted uranium (DU) ... says that DU is not 
> pyrophoric per the following definition:  Pyrophoric material is any liquid 
> or solid that will ignite spontaneously in air below 130 degrees F (54.4 
> degrees C).

When finely divided, as uranium is when a speeding uranium bullet hits
a hard target, uranium ignites spontaneously in air at room temperature.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/1999/04/du/mr1018.7.sum.html
http://www.reade.com/Products/Elements/uranium.html 
http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/consumer%20products/dupenetrator.htm

When uranium ignites in air, it produces uranyl oxide (UO3) which
is a reproductive poison and a developmental poison.  Poison
weapons are illegal.  Weapons which continue to act after a battle
are illegal.  Weapons which act off the battlefield are illegal.

Sincerely,
James Salsman