GNU is absolutely right, It is used in a whole host of weapon systems. Everything from a 50 cal to 20mm cannon to even the tomahawk cruise. It is an extremely dense substance used for penetrating armor or concrete. Remember each weapon system has multiple uses. Like having a dozen different bullets for the 50 cal there is the same for missile system. Everything to tactical nukes to incendiary, cluster to bunker busting. Iraq and Afghanistan is littered with the stuff. What health issues I have no clue, I bet it can't be good and would indeed penetrate ground water I think anyway