Uranium

A highly toxic element on an acute basis. The permissible levels for soluble compounds are based on chemical toxicity, whereas the permissible body level for insoluble compounds is based on radiotoxicity. The high chemical toxicity of uranium and its salts is largely shown in kidney damage, which may not be reversible. Acute arterial lesions may occur after acute exposures. The most soluble uranium compounds are UF6, UO2(NO3)2, UO2Cl2, UO2F2, and uranyl acetates, sulfates, and carbonates. Some moderately soluble compounds are UF4, UO2, UO4, (NH4)2U2O7, UO3, and uranyl nitrates. The rapid passage of soluble uranium compounds through the body tends to allow relatively large amounts to be absorbed. Soluble uranium compounds may be absorbed through the skin. The least soluble compounds are high-fired UO2, U3O8, and uranium hydrides and carbides. The high toxicity effect of insoluble compounds is largely due to lung irradiation by inhaled particles. This material is transferred from the lungs of animals quite slowly.A very dangerous fire hazard in the form of a solid or dust when exposed to heat or flame. It can react violently with air, Cl2, F2, HNO3, NO, Se, S, water, NH3, BrF3, trichloroethylene, nitryl fluoride. During storage it may form a pyrophoric surface due to effects of air and moisture. Depleted uranium (the 238U by-product of the uranium enrichment process, with relatively low radioactivity) is used in armor-piercing shells, ship or aircraft ballast, and counterbalances. Uranium is also used in making colored ceramic glazes.