Laka Foundation, May 1999 Part 2 | Part 4 Table of Contents Gulf
War Veterans and Depleted Uranium By Dr. Rosalie Bertell, Ph.D.,
G.N.S.H. Source of Exposure:Uranium metal is autopyrophoric and
can burn spontaneously at room temperature in the presence of
air, oxygen and water. At temperatures of 200-400 degrees
Centigrade, uranium powder may self-ignite in atmospheres of
carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Oxidation of uranium under certain
conditions may generate sufficient energy to cause an explosion
(Gindler 1973). Friction caused by bullet or missile entry into
a tank or armored car, for example, can cause the uranium to
ignite, forming a concentrated ceramic aerosol capable of
killing most personnel in the vehicle. Depleted uranium was used
extensively in place of thungsten for ordnance by the US and UK
in the Gulf War. There is no dispute of the fact that at least
320 tons of depleted uranium (DU) was "lost" in the Gulf war,
and that much of that was converted at high temperature into an
aerosol, that is, mi