Why did the U.S. use Depleted Uranium shells in the Gulf War?
PROF. GUNTHER: Depleted Uranium possesses characteristics which make it very attractive for the weapon technology : • It is the heaviest element occurring, so to say, naturally on earth: 1 cm3 weighs 18.95 grams; • Possibly related to a German technology, because of its density, uranium tipped projectiles have a very high penetrating power. DU is best suited for the production of ammunition to break through steel armours; • Moreover it is a naturally pyphoric material. After penetration, so much heat develops at the exit point, that DU particles catch fire. A hit tank, for instance, explodes releasing highly toxic and radioactive products. • After experiences during the Gulf War, since 1992, U.S. tanks are getting increased strengthening, all around, by DU. These U.S. tanks are ironically called Radiation Deponents. DAVID MULLER: Professor you were one of the first people to expose to the world that the U.S. had used Depleted Uranium in the Gulf War. How did you make this discovery? PR
