Radiological Weapons Research Articles

Experimental application of graphene quantum dots for the removal of nuclear materials from metal and plastic surfaces

This study explores the application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as innovative nanomaterials for the efficient removal of nuclear materials from metal and plastic surfaces, especially in contexts involving terrorist threats, such as “dirty bombs” and radiological dispersal devices (RDDs). These devices use conventional explosives combined with radioactive materials to contaminate large areas, posing significant risks to health and the environment. This investigation addresses the growing global concern about the use and threat of such weapons, particularly in the context of escalating wars and the increasing vulnerability of nuclear facilities to security breaches. Our focus is on the unique properties of GQDs—such as their chemical stability, high surface area, quantum confinement effects, and electronic characteristics—that enhance their ability to effectively adsorb radioactive isotopes. We examine the potential of GQDs to interact with various radioactive materials, focusing on isotopes commonly associated with RDDs, such as cesium-137, cobalt-60, strontium-90, and iridium-192. Functionalization techniques are employed to enhance the interaction of GQDs with specific isotopes, thus improving the decontamination process. Our findings reveal that GQDs can efficiently remove iodine-131 (I-131) from several metals: Aluminum (91.27%), zinc (98.67%), and monel (96.40%). They also demonstrate high efficiency in removing I-131 from rigid polyvinyl chloride. On the other hand, GQDs presented moderate efficiency in removing technetium-99m, with removal rates of 64.93% from monel, 55.11% from aluminum, and 41.80% from zinc. Overall, GQDs could play a crucial role in mitigating the consequences of dirty bomb detonations, offering a quick and effective method to reduce radiological impacts in affected areas. This research enhances our understanding of nanomaterials in responding to radiological emergencies, presenting GQDs as a viable solution to contemporary challenges in public health and safety. The implications of this study extend beyond immediate decontamination, suggesting broader applications of GQDs in environmental safety and nuclear safety protocols.

Testing and results of an open-source radiation epidemiology model using the Goiânia accident

In the event of dispersed radioactive materials, whether from accidental orphan sources or deliberate use of radiological dispersal devices (RDD) or radiological exposure devices (RED), free open-source modelling codes can greatly assist in forecasting the dispersion of the radiation following the event. Several codes are currently available to quickly calculate the progression of radiological dispersion. However, most of these codes can only simulate the evolution of the threat for limited times after the event and over relatively short distances from the location. In order to predict the transport of radioactive material over long distances and for long times, and thus prevent its expected effects on the exposed population, specific epidemiological codes can be used, taking into account the characteristic of the radiation. If it is considered that radioactive material can be deposited on unsuspecting people who continue their daily activities after exposure, it can be assumed that these people unintentionally carry this radioactive material over long distances. This scenario is comparable to viral vectors of a hypothetical virus designed to mimic the physical characteristics of radiation. In this work, the free open-source spatio-temporal epidemiological modeller (STEM) tool is used to simulate the spread of a chimeric viral agent with specific characteristics of Ebola and COVID-19, designed to replicate the biological conditions caused by exposure to a Cs-137 source for an individual unaware of the risk. The goal is to predict the territorial spread of radioactive material caused by a CBRNe event, such as orphan sources or the use of a RDD or a RED, and its possible effects on the affected population. This supports decision-makers in forecasting the consequences of radioactive material spread and thus helps in reducing the risk. The code was tested comparing its results with the real case of the famous 1987 Goiânia radiological accident. The results show that the developed code was indeed able to accurately represent the number of contaminated individuals and the number of casualties within a month of the initial exposure, with a distribution of radioactive material in the territory similar to that actually caused by the Goiânia accident.

Radiological impact assessment of a dirty bomb using Hotspot Code and AI: Insights from spent nuclear fuel isotopes

This study evaluates the potential radiological effects resulting from the use of a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), commonly known as a “dirty bomb,” in Dhamar City, Yemen, focusing on its impact on human health. Seasonal atmospheric variations were analyzed using the HotSpot Health Physics Code to model the Total Effective Dose Equivalent (TEDE) distribution following an explosion. The TEDE’s effect on different human organs was assessed, considering both external and internal radiation exposures. The study demonstrated that winter nights posed the highest radiation risk, with dose distribution areas of 0.018 km2, 0.14 km2, and 3.3 km2 for inner, middle, and outer zones, respectively, surpassing other seasonal and daily values. Conversely, summer recorded the lowest radiation spread. A detailed temporal analysis during winter nights showed an initial TEDE of 9.5 Sv at 0.1 min post-explosion, which decreased exponentially to 1.3 Sv after 2000 min (33.3 h) and further to 0.0038 Sv after 6500 min (108.3 h) with the aid of AI-enhanced “Long Short Term Memory Networks (LSTM)”. The highest radiation doses to human organs within a 100 m2 area during the initial 10 min post-detonation were significantly above permissible limits, with critical organs like the surface bone, liver, and red marrow receiving doses of 68 Sv, 12 Sv, and 5.5 Sv, respectively. These findings underline the need for robust emergency response strategies and long-term health monitoring to mitigate the adverse health impacts of RDDs. The comprehensive assessment presented in this study, enhanced by artificial intelligence, provides essential data for improving public health safety and emergency preparedness in regions susceptible to radiological threats.

Assessing the Mental Model State of Emergency Responders in the Context of Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) Incidents: A Multi-state Study.

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technicians' notions of mental model, or cognitive representations of their understanding and beliefs regarding Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) incidents, have not been previously explored. A prior study developed an Expected Mental Model State (EMMS) framework specific to RDD incident response for HAZMAT technicians. The work herein presents the development of a derivative of this framework, the EMMS Diagnostic Matrix, to evaluate the actual Mental Model State (MMS) of HAZMAT technicians in the context of RDD incidents. The EMMS Diagnostic Matrix was administered via a survey and simulation activity in four U.S. states representing the Northeast, West, South, and Midwest regions. Data were collected and coded using grounded theory methodology. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify themes across related areas where the notions of mental model for the HAZMAT technician responders' actual MMS differed from the EMMS. The analysis of the collected data revealed four significant themes representing incomplete notions of the mental model spanning various EMMS conceptual domains: Overestimation of Radiation Dose and Health Effects, indicating misunderstandings about the health impacts of radiation exposure, Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), particularly in the lower range of radiation doses; Overreliance on Responder Protection [personal protective equipment (PPE)/self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)], highlighting gaps in understanding radiation principles and radioactive material dispersal properties from a radiological dispersal device; Misunderstanding Radiation Detection and Units, signifying confusion about radiation units and differentiation between dose rate and accumulated dose; and Incomplete Understanding of Radiation Characteristics and Dispersal Properties, outlining a limited grasp of inhalation risks from radiation and the dispersal traits of a radiological dispersal device. The interconnectedness of these technical misunderstandings can guide the development of a strategic plan to evaluate and modify existing training, aiming at these specific themes to improve the efficiency of HAZMAT technicians in emergency situations and to identify areas for further research.

Modeling the evolution of aerosol particles from a radiological dispersal device

Radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) have a potential to disperse radioactive aerosols into the atmosphere through explosions. Accurately estimating the respirable fraction of these aerosols through experiments presents a considerable challenge. Also, the modeling of aerosol particle evolution stemming from an RDD explosion is inherently complex, involving the interplay of various physical processes operating at different time scales. In this study, we propose a comprehensive numerical model to estimate the respirable fraction of aerosols generated during RDD explosions, integrating the thermodynamic properties of detonation products with microphysical aerosol processes. The model assumes particles are spherical and ignores charge effects. It is also assumed that the thermodynamic properties of the cloud are uniform within its volume and that thermal equilibrium exists between particles and the surrounding medium. Numerical simulations are conducted for diverse experimental scenarios, and performance of the model is assessed by comparing its predictions with experimental data pertaining to Carbon and Cobalt particles. Notably, the model predicts the average particle diameter of Carbon particles within the detonation front of TNT at 13.8 nm, closely matching the experimental observation of 13 nm (Rubtsov et al., 2019). Additionally, the model captures the peak value of the cobalt particle mass fraction distribution, approximating it to be around 0.7μm, in agreement with experimental findings (Di Lemma et al., 2016). These findings indicate that the proposed model is capable of predicting the behavior of both radioactive and non-radioactive aerosols. Also, this study underscores the potential of modeling approaches in addressing existing knowledge gaps related to RDDs, thereby contributing to enhanced impact assessment and management strategies for incidents involving RDDs.

Development of a Potential Facility Risk Index for Nuclear Safety and Security Using a Terrorism Scenario with a Hypothetical Nuclear Facility

Risk assessment involves analyzing potential accident scenarios to identify hazards and assess associated risk factors. Nuclear safety and security both aim to protect against radiation exposure, but they have developed separately with distinct risk assessment methodologies. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive risk assessment method that covers both the safety and security aspects. The Potential Facility Risk Index (PFRI) was developed in 2020 to provide a quantitative approach to evaluating the security risk of nuclear facilities, but it does not consider safety risks. This study aims to enhance the PFRI framework by incorporating probabilistic risk assessment methods to include safety risks. It assesses the risk of a hypothetical incident caused by adversaries at a hypothetical nuclear facility after a successful theft of nuclear material, followed by the construction and detonation of a radiological dispersal device. To achieve this goal, the study utilized event tree analysis and pathway analysis for loss event assessment and consequence analysis using the MELCOR accident consequence code systems for loss magnitude. New risk criteria were also established to determine the PFRI risk score. Based on the results, the study found that the PFRI score for the hypothetical facility was 1, indicating that the risk level was negligible. Future studies incorporating other scenarios, such as sabotage and transportation, will help assess the total security risk of the facility. This method can also help facilitate the integration of risk assessments for nuclear safety and security.

HAZMAT Technician-level Emergency Response: A Mental Model Framework for Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) Incidents.

This research examines the cognitive frameworks used by HAZMAT technicians when responding to incidents involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs), which are conventional explosive devices with radioactive materials incorporated. The objective is to introduce the Expected Mental Model State (EMMS) as a comprehensive evaluation tool for assessing and enhancing the expertise and situational awareness of emergency responders dealing with radiation crises. Through a series of expert focus group sessions using the well-established qualitative methodology of grounded theory, an Expected Mental Model State (EMMS) was developed. The methodology used an influence diagram architecture to conceptually capture and codify key areas relevant to effective emergency response. The research identifies fourteen EMMS key conceptual domains, further elaborated into 301 subtopics, providing a multi-dimensional structure for the proposed mental model framework. Three pivotal notions of mental model emerged within the EMMS framework: Knowledge Topology, Envisioning (Belief), and Response and Operability. These notions were found to align with previous theories of mental models and are vital for understanding how HAZMAT technicians conceptualize and respond to RDD incidents. The study emphasizes the critical role of mental models in enhancing preparedness and effective response strategies during radiation emergencies. The EMMS framework offers a versatile methodology that can be adapted across various kinds of emergency responders and high-risk situations, including the broader Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) spectrum. Using this EMMS framework to develop an EMMS Diagnostic Matrix can provide a roadmap for identifying areas for the development of specialized training modules that have the potential to significantly elevate both the quality and efficacy of responder training and preparation.

Death dust: the rise, decline, and future of radiological weapons programs

Death dust: the rise, decline, and future of radiological weapons programs

Urban Operation Threat Assessment after a Multistage Radiological Dispersive Device Attack

The urban environment may be a relevant setting for special military operations. Due to the options offered by urban infrastructure, this environment can be an essential catalyst for the proliferation of local asymmetric actions. These actions are triggered by extremist groups offering resistance to regular troops. Improvised weapons such as radiological dispersive devices (RDD) can be used to provoke even more threatening situations by increasing the risks of operations. This study is directed, via computer simulation using the Hot Spot Health Physics code, to a hypothetical context where a multistage RDD (RDD-M) is triggered in two non-simultaneous phases. This non-linear triggering causes overlapping contamination and impacts the coping strategy and the projections of variations in the size of the potentially affected population. In this study, the primary consideration is the contamination carried out at such a level that the association between human exposure and deterministic effects is feasible. The exposure to high doses of radiation at short distances about the triggering location of the device. The simulated data show that the threats are leveraged, and the environmental variables have a high value when assessing the criticality of the situation and establishing effective countermeasures.

The convergence approach may be critical to improving early situational awareness in hostile radioactive environments

This study explores the impact of a simulated radiological dispersal device (RDD) event in an urban area on young adults around 20 years old. The RDD releases radioactive Cs-137 (7.0E+3 Ci), a common industrial sterilization source. The study aims to demonstrate that combining computational codes and epidemiological models can produce valuable data to guide initial actions when confronting a hostile radioactive environment. The HotSpot Health Physics and RESRAD-RDD codes were used in the simulation to evaluate the event's initial phase. The codes were executed together, and the HotSpot output data was input into RESRAD-RDD. Based on simulated radiation dose levels, estimated doses were incorporated into radioepidemiological models proposed by the Committee on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR V or VII report). Despite limitations, data transfer between the models revealed no discontinuities or antagonisms. Radiation doses were simulated under three exposure conditions and two atmospheric release modes (day or night), suggesting that atmospheric conditions, sex, and exposure routine can strongly influence the perception of radiation impacts. This combination of methods can increase situational awareness and help with decision-making and developing coping strategies.

Safeguards and Security for High-Burnup TRISO Pebble Bed Spent Fuel and Reactors

Several high-temperature thermal neutron–spectrum pebble bed reactors are being commercialized. China has started up two helium-cooled pebble bed high-temperature reactors. In the United States, the X-Energy helium-cooled and the Kairos Power salt-cooled pebble bed high-temperature reactors will produce spent nuclear fuel (SNF) with burnups exceeding 150 000 MWd per tonne. The reactor fuel in each case consists of small spherical graphite pebbles (4 to 6 cm in diameter) containing thousands of small TRISO (microspheric tri-structural isotropic) fuel particles embedded in the fuel of zone these pebbles. The unique isotopic, chemical, and physical characteristics of this high-burnup SNF create a technical case to eliminate safeguards based on the low risk for use in nuclear weapons, while maintaining safeguards in terms of risk for use in radiological weapons. These safeguards could be reduced to the simple counting and monitoring of pebbles in storage. Alternatively, there is the option to create a special category with reduced requirements for this SNF in storage, transport, and disposal. No safeguards would be required for a repository with only this type of SNF. Reactor safeguards are required for fresh fuel, partly burnt fuel, and to identify unconventional pebbles with depleted uranium or other materials that might be used to create weapons-useable materials.

Lost life expectancy following a hypothetical urban radiological incident

The consequences of mass radiological events, particularly those involving the activation of a radiological dispersion device (RDD), have been extensively studied by scientific groups. However, the critical initial period of such an event, usually spanning the first 100 h, can be characterized by a scarcity of information, potentially leading to delays in mitigating strategies. In response, a research group utilized computer simulations to generate solid, conservative analytical details that can aid decision-making and guide the prioritization of initial care based on variables such as age, sex, location, and local atmospheric stability conditions. The study estimates the Lost Life Expectancy (LLE) and provides relevant information to increase support for decision-making and allow evaluation of data closer to the lay public. The research team behind the study has been granted funding by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and further simulations will be conducted utilizing codes that implement numerical models, specifically in atmospheric data forecasting. The methodology used to evaluate the LLE can be applied to any location, provided that the relevant variables are updated accordingly. Overall, this study offers critical insights into the impact of mass radiological events and enhances simulations' predictive capacity and precision.

Covert system for detecting nuclear dirty bombs in public venues

Background In the past two decades, the potential threat of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or “dirty bomb,” which combines conventional explosives with radioactive material, has been a concern for counterterrorism efforts. The accessibility of radioactive materials used in various applications, such as medicine, industry, and research, makes RDDs a viable weapon of choice for terrorists. While the radiation released from an RDD is generally not lethal beyond a short range, the long-term health, environmental, and psychological effects of radiation release will have an impact on the future of a society. Providing proactive security measures will aid in the deterrence of potential radiological terrorist threats. Methods The use of commercial off-the-shelf detectors and GPS modules can be integrated with software to provide the approximate location of a radioactive anomaly. With the strategic placement of a circular array of 4-inch × 4-inch Thallium dopped Sodium-Iodide (NaI) in a façade of a full trashcan, it is possible to determine if, when, and the general direction of a hand- carried threat entering a venue. A supplemental detector containing a Cesium-Iodide (CsI) crystal and a GPS module fitted to a plate carrier vest can further refine the location of a threat. In tandem, these two designs are capable of providing the RDD screening that is currently lacking in public. Conclusions While a true threat may contain a radiation source well in the hundreds of Curies, the designs selected are tested and calibrated to 1-microcurie button sources. Which provides scaled results that indicate the possibility for the deployment of such a detection scheme in a venue. Although the devices tested are limited by commercial GPS resolution, the ability for both designs to determine the presence and approximate location of a button source within 10 feet is promising for further larger scale tests.

Radiological risk and legal issues analysis for Terrorism attack scenario Using Radiological Dispersion Devices.

Radiological risk and legal issues analysis for Terrorism attack scenario Using Radiological Dispersion Devices.

Рецензія на монографію «Сучасні радіаційно-ядерні загрози: навчальний посібник»

The study guide "Modern Radiation-Nuclear Threats" examines issues of radiation-nuclear threats at the current stage of human development (characteristics of the phenomenon of radioactivity and ionizing radiation, descriptions of nuclear warheads, damage factors of a nuclear explosion, radiation terrorism and radiation weapons, radiation-nuclear accidents at nuclear power plants etc). Features of the biological action of ionizing radiation (primary and secondary radiobiological effects, stochastic and deterministic effects, chronic radiation sickness) are described. Data are provided on the prospects for the development of nuclear energy in Ukraine. Modern technical means for assessing the degree of radiation-nuclear threat were considered separately: military dosimetric devices, dosimetric devices of the State Emergency Service and devices used in atomic energy were characterized. Issues of interdepartmental cooperation in the field of prevention and response to radiation and nuclear threats in Ukraine were considered. The study guide is intended for students, intern doctors and students of higher medical educational institutions of Ukraine and post-graduate medical education institutions. The study guide is drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the Program for the Training of Citizens of Ukraine under the Program for the Training of Reserve Officers of the Medical Service, the module "Military Toxicology, Radiology and Medical Protection" for applicants of the first (bachelor's) level of knowledge 22 "Health Care" in the specialties "Medical business", "Dentistry", "Pediatrics", "Pharmacy" and the second (master's) level of knowledge 22 "Health care" for military accounting specialties "Medical business", "Dentistry", "Pharmacy".

Processing biological samples from simulated radiological terrorist events using Rapid DNA instruments

Two commercially available portable Rapid DNA instruments were evaluated for their ability to process 1 µL and 10 µL saliva samples deposited on metal and plastic surfaces and contaminated with surrogates of cesium (Cs)-137, strontium (Sr)-90 and cobalt (Co)-60; radioactive materials potentially released during a nuclear weapon accident or a radiological dispersal device detonation. A comparable success rate was noted for both Rapid DNA instruments when considering the number of complete and balanced DNA profiles, the number of profiles with a minimum of 10 autosomal STR loci (out of 23 [FlexPlex™ 27] or 21 [GlobalFiler™ Express]), and the possibility to search a national DNA database in Canada and the United States. Cobalt had an adverse impact on the quality of the megaplex short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiles derived on each instrument for two of the three contamination levels tested in this study, i.e., 0.05 M and 0.1 M as reflected by a reduced number of detected alleles and decreased profile peak heights. Strontium exhibited some adverse effect on the Rapid DNA results when used at the highest contamination level (0.1 M) whereas cesium had none. No new artifacts were observed in the Rapid DNA profiles of samples spiked with the non-radiogenic surrogates. Importantly, in the context of a radiological/nuclear (RN) event, the ANDE™ 6C offers the possibility to dispose of all radioactive materials associated with contaminated samples quickly using a chip on which all steps of the Rapid DNA process are performed whereas the RapidHIT™ ID accumulates radioactive materials for many days before disposal. An individual handling 25 samples in a week (5 per day) on the RapidHIT™ ID at a 30.5 cm distance with a 5 min exposure to the radioactive source estimated at every run would exceed the 0.042 µSv/5 min limit with gamma dose rates for Cs at 0.13 mSv and for Co at 3.8 mSv. Beta dose rates calculated for the surrogate isotopes at the three concentrations tested were also above the recommended radiation exposure limit of 1 mSv/yr (0.042 µSv/5 min). Various potential mechanisms of action behind the interference noted for Sr and Co at high concentrations are presented. These elements may play a role in the steps prior to PCR (at the DNA molecule by binding to bases or to phosphate groups), during PCR (at the DNA polymerase as cofactors for catalytic sites), or even during amplified DNA fragment detection (as fluorescence quenchers).

Consequence assessment of hypothetical urban radiological dispersal device incident in Korea

Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) are designed to disperse radioactive material over a wide area, leading to significant consequences to the environment and public health. This paper discusses the radiological effects of a potential RDD detonation containing 137Cs and 241Am in the commercial area of Busan, South Korea. The assessment, conducted with HotSpot Health Physics and RESRAD-RDD codes, found that summer had the most significant impact, with a maximum total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of 280 mSv at 100 m and this decreased to 1 mSv at 4.5 km from the detonation point within the time interval of 35 min.

Soil surface roughness impacts the risk arising from a hypothetical urban radiological dispersive device activation.

This study considers a deliberate hypothetical release of radioactive material over an inhabited urban zone. The event is initiated by the activation of a radiological dispersion device. The main threat is the deposition of radioactive material onto the soil's surface. The radiation represents the threat-defining risks, which depend on the main variables, i.e. soil surface roughness, sex, age of the exposed individuals and the moment of the release (day or nighttime). This study aims to evaluate the effect of soil surface roughness on the radiological risk. The simulation was performed by an analytical method using the HotSpot Health Physics code within the first 100h. The results found relevant elements that allow for differentiating consequences as a function of the time of release (whether daytime or nighttime), thus allowing decision-makers to be supported with a little more detail about the situation, although in a critical initial phase.

Attractiveness of Fissile Material in Nuclear Wastes from Different Fuel Cycles

Nuclear fuel cycle advancements will result in new types of fissile material, including nuclear wastes, that require security and safeguards. Nuclear wastes may be more vulnerable for diversion by non-state actors, and chemical processing to recover fissile material is not an insurmountable challenge. Previous work has applied a figure of merit (FOM) to assess material attractiveness and security risks. This analysis applies the material attractiveness FOM to wastes produced by fuel cycles from the Fuel Cycle Evaluation and Screening (FCES) study. Two aspects of security risk are studied: (1) the time before the fissile material in the waste becomes attractive and (2) the number of waste packages required to obtain a critical mass of fissile material. Two fuel cycles are presented to highlight detailed results: (1) once-through use of low-enriched U in light water reactors (LWRs) and (2) continuous recycle of Pu in sodium fast reactors (SFRs). Increasing LWR used nuclear fuel (UNF) package loading increases the time to attractiveness, but the larger packages contain enough Pu for multiple critical masses. The high-level waste (HLW) from processing the SFR fuels has similar FOM behavior but longer time to attractiveness due to the concentration of fission products. More HLW packages are required to obtain a critical mass; that number can be further increased by increasing the separation efficiency. Extended to all FCES fuel cycles, the minimum time before attractiveness is generally lower for UNF than for HLW because radioactivity is concentrated in HLW. For nearly all fuel cycles that produce UNF, only one package is required to recover enough fissile material for a critical mass. Notably, some advanced fuel cycles produce HLW, of which only two packages need to be recovered to obtain a critical mass, even when the target fissile material is recycled. Going forward, an assessment of the security risks posed by fissile material in nuclear wastes will need to quantify the challenge posed by separations. Ultimately, the assessment could inform security and response measures; whether any of the observations might affect these measures could be an area for future work. Finally, future analysis could study whether different fuel cycle wastes are more attractive for use in radiological dispersal devices or radiological exposure devices.

Armor Piercing Projectiles Based on Depleted Uranium and the Consequences of Their Use for the Environment and People

The intention of the collective West to supply the armed forces of Ukraine with armor-piercing shells with cores (penetrators) made of depleted uranium (DU), is changing the situation in the zone of special military operation (SVO). A new damaging factor is introduced into combat operations – uranium-238 (238U), one of the longest-lived natural radioactive isotopes of uranium. The purpose of the review is to identify the signs and consequences of the use of armor-piercing projectiles based on depleted uranium. Materials and research methods. The sources available through the PubMed, Google Scholar and Russian Electronic Library databases were analyzed. Research results. NATO uses DU in 20-, 25-, 30-, 105-, 120- and 140-mm caliber projectiles. The cores are made from recycled DU, which is a waste from the production of nuclear weapons. Due to man-made isotopes, it is more radioactive than DU from natural uranium. When such a projectile hits an armored object, a large amount of respirable radioactive and toxic dust of black uranium oxides, small fragments and fragments of the penetrator, remaining in the armored vehicles and around it, is formed. One 120 mm projectile produces approximately 950 g of black dust. Almost 99 % of the internal dose received by the military will come from alpha particles, the most dangerous to health. Projectiles that miss their targets sink deep into the soil, their penetrators corrode for decades, releasing soluble uranium compounds into underground water sources. In areas where DU shells were used, mass diseases of «unexplained etiology» are observed among military personnel and civilians, reducing their life expectancy and fertility. Discussion of results and conclusions. The first signs of the use of shells with DU, which can be installed on the battlefield: round holes in the armor of tanks and the presence of solid black dust around them and in the tank itself. In case of fires in the warehouses of such shells, due to other oxidation conditions, crumbling yellow dust is formed. When examining it, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of elevated concentrations of 236U. The fact that a soldier was hit by DU can be confirmed by the presence of uranium in his urine. The use of DU shells on the territory of the Russian Federation, in terms of its consequences for people and nature, is the use of radiological weapons, a disguised form of nuclear warfare. And it must be treated accordingly.