Depleted Uranium

Apparently Depleted Uranium is safe in Iraq but in the UK is causing a panicked nationwide hunt. Strange.

A VAN loaded with depleted uranium (DU), which can be turned into a 'dirty
bomb', has been stolen sparking a nationwide hunt.

The van contained 15 kilos of the nuclear waste. A police memo warning of
the theft and headed 'Stolen Depleted Uranium' reads: 'Your attention is
drawn to a stolen white Citroen Berlingo diesel van index T11 WOS. Vehicle
stolen from Purfleet, Essex on 07.07.03

'When stolen, vehicle contained 15kgs of depleted uranium. This material may
become radioactive if ignited. Vehicle must not be approached by police.'

The intelligence services and armed forces have been alerted, and police are
giving out few details.

The theft of the van, which was stolen from an industrial estate, triggered
a nationwide alert to all police forces, who are now searching for the van.

Depleted uranium is used to make tank shells and has been blamed for causing
a wide variety of illnesses, including cancers and birth defects.