Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about uranium, uranium hexafluoride (UF₆), UF₆ storage and depleted UF₆ management.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the properties of uranium and uranium hexafluoride, storage of uranium hexafluoride, and management of depleted uranium. Click a question below to see the answer.

Uranium and Its Properties

• What is uranium?
• Where does uranium come from?
• What are the common forms of uranium?
• What is radioactivity and radiation?
• Is uranium radioactive?
• What is depleted uranium?
• How is depleted uranium produced?

Uranium Hexafluoride and Its Properties

• What is uranium hexafluoride (UF₆)?
• Where does uranium hexafluoride come from?
• Why is uranium hexafluoride used?
• What are the properties of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the hazards associated with uranium hexafluoride?

Uranium Hexafluoride Storage

• How is uranium hexafluoride stored?
• What does a depleted uranium hexafluoride cylinder look like?
• What are the dimensions of a depleted uranium hexafluoride cylinder?
• How much uranium hexafluoride is stored in the United States?
• Where is uranium hexafluoride stored in the United States?
• What does a cylinder storage yard look like?
• Is storage of uranium hexafluoride safe?
• How is uranium hexafluoride being managed now?
• What happens if a cylinder of uranium hexafluoride leaks?
• What is going to happen to the uranium hexafluoride stored in the United States?

Depleted Uranium Management

• How much depleted uranium (including depleted uranium hexafluoride) is stored in the United States?
• Who is responsible for managing depleted uranium?
• What are the options for managing depleted uranium in the future?
• Are there any uses for depleted uranium?
• Are there any currently-operating disposal facilities that can accept all of the depleted uranium oxide that would be generated from conversion of DOE's depleted UF₆ inventory?

Health Effects of Uranium and its Compounds

• What are the potential health effects from uranium exposure?
• What are the risks from accidents involving depleted uranium hexafluoride?
• Have there been accidents involving uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from continued storage of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride to other forms?
• What are the potential health risks from storage of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential health risks from manufacture of depleted uranium shielded casks?
• What are the potential health risks from disposal of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential health risks from transportation of uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential health risks from transportation of depleted uranium metal or oxide?

Other Environmental Impacts of Depleted Uranium Management

• What are the potential environmental impacts from continued storage of depleted uranium hexafluoride?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from conversion of depleted uranium hexafluoride to other forms?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from storage of depleted uranium as an oxide?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from manufacture of depleted uranium shielded casks?
• What are the potential environmental impacts from disposal of depleted uranium as an oxide?

Other Lists of "Q's and A's" and Uranium Facts

An excellent list of questions and answers related to uranium, with an emphasis on uranium mining, milling, and its uses can be found in "URANIUM: A Discussion Guide," by Dr. Gordon Edwards et al., located at http://www.ccnr.org/nfb_uranium_0.html.

 E-mail to a friend