Interesting comments on the DU-List (28 febbraio)

> If there is going to be a discussion here, then let's make sure we keep the
> information factual and realistic (e.g., a 1 milligram DU particle in the
> lung is not realistic).
>===============
>We are talking respirable retained particles.
>
Yes, but a 1 mg DU particle (original post) is not respirable (e.g, too
large).
>
> These all change the dynamics of long term DU retention.  The lymphatic
> system does concern me, but I have a greater concern over other elements
> (e.g., fluorides), than I have with depleted uranium.
>=============
>Well if you exclude the DU in lymph nodes you make a major error.   The
lymph
>nodes are the peroxide destruction mechanism for pathogens.     And
Fluorides
>are even more important as they tend to form insoluble fluoride precipitates
>in the lymph nodes that cause the same type problems as toxic metal oxides.

Uranium fluorides are fairly soluble.  As a chemist, I would expect
complexation of fluorine to uranium would facilitate the removal of uranium
from the lymph nodes.  I am not arguing  that the lymph nodes are the wrong
site, I am just stating that perhaps uranium is the wrong element to fixate
on.
 
> Another fact is that this group gets so concerned with "DU" that they
> forget the presence of "natural uranium", which can have high natural
> background concentrations depending on the geographical region.
>==============
>Natural uranium absorbed in the stomoch or guy is not the same insoluble
>partculates mechanism as happens with the lungs--------and the retention
>factors for soluble salts is totally different.

I agree, but why does this group continue to be so concerned about
ingestion of DU?  I am on the fence (so to speak) about DU, but I do
believe that the preoccupation by both sides over ingestion is incorrect.
My personal opinion it that It will be inhalation exposure (if anything).

Ed



Edward A. Ough
Research Associate
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Royal Military College of Canada
PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Kingston, ON, Canada K7K 6L6

Tel:  613-541-6000 ext 6989 FAX: 613-542-9489