A common misconception amongst folk singers is that depleted uranium is a serious health hazard. This is a load of old cobblers. Did you know that as well as it's military use, it is widely used in aircraft, ship and bicycle manufacture!

Depleted uranium is approximately 80% less radioactive than natural uranium. Depleted uranium emits small amounts of alpha and beta particles as well as gamma rays. Alpha particles, the primary radiation type produced by depleted uranium, are blocked by skin, while beta particles are blocked by the clothing, battle dress utility uniform (BDUs) typically worn by service members. While gamma rays are a form of highly-penetrating energy , the amount of gamma radiation emitted by depleted uranium is very low - a lot less than that omitted by luminous paint. Thus, depleted uranium does not significantly add to the background radiation that we encounter every day.

Trials are underway in korea for it's use in guitar strings as it is supposed to have a beautiful resonance - can't wait.