Absorption of Depleted Uranium

  • 98% of the uranium that enters the body through ingestion cannot be absorbed and is eliminated through the feces. The gut absorption rates of uranium in water and food is 2% for the soluble materials while 0.2% for the insoluble DU compounds.
  • The amount of uranium taken into the blood circulation is greater during inhalation than during digestion of similar chemical forms. The amount is dependent on the distribution of the particle size. For soluble chemical forms, 20% or higher of the inhaled substances or materials can be absorbed in the blood.
  • 70% of the uranium absorbed in the blood is filtered in the kidneys and excreted within 24 hours in the urine. The amount should increase until 90% in the following days.

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