What type of hazard is primarily associated with inhaling depleted uranium?

The primary hazard associated with inhaling depleted uranium is related to the potential for stochastic risks, specifically lung cancer. When depleted uranium is inhaled, it can lead to the deposition of radioactive particles in the lung tissue. The radioactive properties of depleted uranium may not produce immediate effects but pose a long-term risk since the radiation emitted can damage the DNA in lung cells. This cellular damage can lead to mutations and increase the risk of cancer developing over time.

The stochastic nature of this risk means that the probability of developing cancer is proportional to the dose of radiation received, and there is no threshold below which the risk is zero. Hence, even low levels of exposure can contribute to an increased probability of developing conditions such as lung cancer over many years.

While heavy metal toxicity is indeed a concern with depleted uranium due to its properties as a heavy metal, the specific hazard posed by inhalation focuses not merely on toxicity but also on the long-term radiological risks associated with inhaling radioactive materials. Chronic renal damage does occur in cases of heavy metal exposure, but the primary concern with inhalation, especially in a radiological context, is the stochastic risk for cancer. External gamma radiation is less relevant in the case of inhalation because the internal exposure from inhaled particles