US EPA

1432267 

Technical Report 

Uranium. Alloys And Compounds 

Tarasenko NJu 

1983 

NIOSH/00150545 

2 

2237-2239 

The occupational health implications of uranium (7440611), its alloys, and compounds, are reviewed. Uranium metal is a ductile, malleable heavy metal and is radioactive. In the natural state, it is a mixture of three isotopes. Of the 144 known uranium minerals, only a few are of industrial importance. Ores are obtained by normal mining methods. Extraction of the uranium ores generally involves concentration, lixiviation followed by separation of solid and liquid phases, and precipitation, filtration, purification, and drying of the salts. One of the most important raw materials for the production of nuclear reactor fuels, uranium is used in glass and ceramics and photographic processes as well. Pure uranium is not an external radiation hazard because it emits mainly alpha radiation at low energy. If it enters the body, it constitutes both internal and chemical hazards to livers and kidneys. Radiation exposure may occur during mining, though silicosis is generally a greater risk for the miner. Exposure is possible during processing. Under conditions of occupational exposure, uranium and its disintegration products may enter the body through the respiratory system. Critical organs are the kidneys and in the case of inhalation the lungs. Chemically, uranium and its compounds are highly toxic. Chronic and acute poisoning are possible. Osteosarcoma and lung cancer can result from prolonged irradiation with absorbed uranium and uranium compounds. Lesions produced by prolonged action of uranium are due to both chemical and radioactive properties of uranium. Vigorous safety precautions must be taken to prevent contamination of the working environment by uranium. Fire and explosion are possibilities in the presence of uranium dust. Personal protective equipment and regular medical monitoring are necessary. The author concludes that it is necessary to monitor both atmospheric concentrations of uranium and surface contamination. 

DCN-137016; Radioactive heavy metals; Safety research; Physical properties; Metal refining; Hazardous materials; Ionizing radiation; Safety measures; Biological effects; Toxic materials; Health protection