Re: [CPEO-MEF] DU munitions

[petestrauss1@attbi.com]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

Lenny:

I often don't disagree with you, but I would not want to speculate that 
"qualitatively" a dirty nuke made of DU is comparable to the release of 
TCE from your average industrial or military facility.  I am not a 
health physicist, but one would have to know particle size, particle 
energy, oxidation state and a range of other variables to assess the 
harm of a dirty nuke.  We should assume that if this type of weapon were 
to be used, those responsible would attempt to make maximum impact, 
probably by detonation in a high population density area. Also, it is my 
understanding that DU is also a gamma emitter, albeit not a very strong 
one. 

Its also important to point out that almost the entire scientific
community is in agreement that that there is no safe level of radiation 
exposure. A radioactive particle deposited in the lung can effect many 
cells. One cell gone awry can start uncontrolled cellular growth causing 
cancer.  

Peter