Uranium:

Uranium is carcinogenic and can cause cancer

Uranium is a radioactive, silvery metal consisting of 99.3% uranium-238 and 0.7% uranium-235. This rare form is the one needed for nuclear weapons. To separate the two forms, uranium must be turned into uranium hexafluoride, a volatile liquid. World production of uranium is 35,000 tonnes, with reserves amounting to over 200 years supply.

Like other elements, uranium occurs in slightly differing forms known as 'isotopes'. These isotopes (16 in the case of uranium) differ from each other in the number of particles (neutrons) in the nucleus. 'Natural' uranium as found in the earth's crust is a mixture largely of two isotopes: uranium-238 (U-238), and U-235.

Uranium ore can be mined by underground or open-cut methods, depending on its depth. After mining, the ore is crushed and ground up. Then it is treated with acid to dissolve the uranium, which is then recovered from solution.

Uranium is widespread in many rocks, and even in seawater. However, like other metals, it is seldom sufficiently concentrated to be economically recoverable. Where it is, we speak of an orebody. In defining what is ore, assumptions are made about the cost of mining and the market price of the metal. Uranium reserves are therefore calculated as tonnes recoverable up to a certain cost.

In the preservation of food, radioisotopes are used to inhibit the sprouting of root crops after harvesting, to kill parasites and pests, and to control the ripening of stored fruit and vegetables. Irradiated foodstuffs are accepted by world and national health authorities for human consumption in an increasing number of countries. They include potatoes, onions, dried and fresh fruits, grain and grain products, poultry and some fish. Some prepacked foods can also be irradiated.

In the growing crops and breeding livestock, radioisotopes also play an important role. They are used to produce high yielding, disease and weather resistant varieties of crops, to study how fertilisers and insecticides work, and to improve the productivity and health of domestic animals.

Because Uranium is so plentiful, it is no wonder that we get uranium in our bodies. We breathe it, we drink it in our water and we ingest it in our food.

Listed below are some of the disorders, that are attributed to high dose radiation exposure, from Uranium.

For more information regarding Uranium: Click Here.

For more information regarding Uranium: Click Here.

For more information regarding Uranium: Click Here.