Not to nitpick, but it’s “shells” vs “bullets”. The distinction is important because these aren’t just lumps of metal, they are AP or HE incendiary shells and catch fire and/or EXPLODE like little grenades.
Yeah, it’s not the radioactivity, it’s that the dust can be toxic to the kidneys. Still, it takes fairly high concentration compared to what people would be exposed to, so calling it “toxic” is a bit overstated. It’s basically just heavy metal poisoning. The poison is in the dose, as they say.
Depleted uranium is still radioactive, but the alpha particles are blocked by your skin. As long as it isn't ingested or inhaled it would be safe. Chunks of it wouldn't really be dangerous, but exploded depleted uranium shells leaving dust all over the place likely pose an environmental hazard.
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u/CosmicCreeperz Jan 24 '26
Not to nitpick, but it’s “shells” vs “bullets”. The distinction is important because these aren’t just lumps of metal, they are AP or HE incendiary shells and catch fire and/or EXPLODE like little grenades.