One scientist openly pondered whether DU munitions should be banned, and Dr. McClain responded to him that DU is a very effective weapon and you have to weigh the positive and negative aspects of DU when answering that question. I would add to that that the Pentagon has thwarted a thorough investigation of the negative effects of DU, thus inhibiting informed public debate about the use of depleted uranium ammunition. Radiation causes a variety of health effects, including immonodeficiency, infections, cancer, and mutations. The effects depend upon many circumstances, including whether the exposure is internal or external, there is a single dose or a chronic exposure, and the radiation level. Irradiated cells excrete a substance into the medium that surrounds them.
Physical dosimetry is the monitoring of individuals for radiation exposure.
Biodosimetry is the detection of radiation-induced damage to evaluate radiation exposure and health risks. Advances in technology have greatly increased the ability to detect both radiation and radiation-induced damage. A variety of approaches to preventing and treating radiation-induced injury were discussed. Some of these drugs may cause serious side effects. These treatments are also garnering increased attention, but may themselves have side effects that limit their use in radioprotection.