ABSTRACT
Uranium is a naturally radioactive element that exists in the form of two naturally occurring isotopes, uranium-238 and uranium-235. A third isotope, uranium-234, is the decay product of uranium-238. These three radioactive isotopes are normally found in a certain percentage, and there are some areas in the world where uranium is more abundant than other elements. It had only limited use prior to 1939; however, after the development of the atomic bomb, it was mined extensively. Enriched uranium-235 was used to make atomic weapons and as a power source (in nuclear reactors). Uranium-235 is also used to produce radiopharmaceuticals for medical use. The depleted uranium-238 (product of the enrichment of uranium-235) has been used in the production of armor-piercing projectiles. It is also used as a radiation shielding material. The exposure of the body to uranium via ingestion and inhalation was initially of concern to the health of the workers handling this chemical. Later, it became of concern to the health of the general population because it could find its way into the body through ingestion via food and water. This chapter discusses the exposure limits set by various agencies and their possible effects.
