A REVIEW OF THE TOXICOLOGY AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF NATURAL, DEPLETED AND ENRICHED URANIUM

摘要

This report is based on a selection of published and unpublished data on uranium, its compounds and alloys. It reviews from the standpoint of potential hazards, the main physical, chemical and nuclear properties and biological behaviour of uranium. The report discusses the toxicology of uranium and also reproduces the derived working limits for exposure to the material formulated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Data is given on external radiation dose rates including that from processed irradiated uranium. Finally a review is given of fire and explosion hazards and criticality aspects.